KEY POINTS

• Two dispatch riders were crushed to death on Eko Bridge in Lagos after a container-laden truck, whose driver allegedly fell asleep, collided with another truck.

• The impact dislodged a 20-foot container that fell on the riders; another truck driver sustained critical injuries and was taken to hospital.

• LASTMA has cordoned off the scene, redirected traffic, and initiated an investigation, as calls grow for stricter regulation of heavy-duty trucks in Lagos.

Two dispatch riders lost their lives in a tragic accident involving two container-laden trucks on Sunday morning, May 11, 2025, along the Eko Bridge inward Alaka corridor in Lagos State.

According to The Cable, the incident occurred when one of the drivers of the trucks reportedly fell asleep at the wheel, resulting in a devastating collision and the fatal dislodging of a 20-foot container.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq.

He explained that the driver of one of the articulated trucks had been speeding and allegedly dozed off, causing the vehicle to veer uncontrollably into another moving truck ahead of it.

“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.”

Container dislodges, crushing riders on duty

As a result of the impact, a 20-foot container became detached from one of the trucks and fell directly onto two dispatch riders who were passing along the same route. The riders were crushed instantly and confirmed dead at the scene by emergency responders. Their identities have not yet been publicly disclosed, pending notification of their families.

“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,” Taofiq explained. “Both victims were confirmed dead at the scene.”

The tragic event has again raised public concerns over road safety enforcement, especially the regulation of heavy-duty vehicle operations in urban centers like Lagos. In recent years, Eko Bridge and other high-traffic corridors in the state have seen a worrying number of fatal accidents involving container trucks.

LASTMA officers, who were on routine patrol beneath the bridge at the time, responded quickly to the scene. One of the truck drivers, who was critically injured during the collision, was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. His condition remains critical.

To ensure the flow of traffic and safety of other road users, authorities swiftly cordoned off the affected portion of the bridge. Vehicles traveling inward to Alaka were redirected through the Costain roundabout as part of a temporary traffic management strategy.

“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 statement added.

Authorities have also launched a full investigation into the incident, with a focus on verifying claims that the driver was fatigued and improperly rested before getting behind the wheel. The trucking company involved may face inquiries regarding adherence to safety protocols.