Truck Driver Falls Asleep on Wheel, Causes Ghastly Accident on Eko Bridge, Two Dead
In a tragic road accident earlier on Sunday along the Eko Bridge inward Alaka corridor, two dispatch riders lost their lives following a fatal collision involving two fully loaded Mack trucks with registration numbers T-10357 LA and KJA 107 XM.
According to preliminary investigations, one of the truck drivers, reportedly speeding and allegedly dozing off behind the wheel, lost control of his vehicle, a statement signed by Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department said on Sunday.
This caused the truck to crash into another moving truck ahead, resulting in a violent impact.
The crash led to the dislodgement of a 20-foot container, which fell and crushed two dispatch riders who were travelling along the route. Both riders were confirmed dead at the scene.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who were on routine patrol under the bridge, quickly responded.
One truck driver, who sustained serious injuries, was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital by a Lagos State Government ambulance.
However, the other two truck drivers fled the scene, likely out of fear of the deadly consequences of the crash.
To prevent further danger and ensure the safety of motorists, LASTMA officers promptly cordoned off the affected section of the bridge and redirected traffic through the Costain Roundabout, inward Alaka, en route to the National Stadium.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased. He decried the needless loss of life and stressed the importance of responsible driving—particularly among operators of articulated vehicles.
Investigations are currently underway to trace and apprehend the fleeing drivers involved in the fatal crash, Bakare-Oki said.
