Two dispatch riders crushed to death as trucks collide on Eko bridge

A collision involving two container-laden trucks has resulted in the death of two dispatch riders on the Eko bridge inward Alaka corridor in Lagos state.

The accident occurred on Sunday morning.

A statement by Adebayo Taofiq, spokesperson of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), said the driver of one of the trucks lost control of the vehicle after reportedly dozing off while driving.

Taofiq said after the truck lost control, it collided with another moving truck, which resulted in a violent impact along the bridge.

The LASTMA spokesperson said some of the persons inside the trucks escaped after the incident.

“Preliminary findings suggest that the driver of one of the articulated trucks, reportedly driving at an excessive speed while allegedly dozing off, lost control of the vehicle,” Taofiq said.

“The truck then careened into another moving truck ahead of it, triggering a violent impact.

“This catastrophic collision led to the dislodgement of a 20-foot container from one of the trucks, which subsequently crushed two unsuspecting dispatch riders who were navigating the route at the time. Both victims were confirmed dead at the scene.

“Swift and coordinated response from Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Officers, who were on routine traffic monitoring duty beneath the Eko Bridge, ensured the immediate rescue of one severely injured truck driver.”

The LASTMA spokesperson said the agency has cordoned off the affected part of the bridge and redirected vehicular traffic through the Costain roundabout inward Alaka en route to the stadium.