At least six worshippers lost their lives and several others were injured when a heavy-duty truck loaded with sharp sand veered off the road and crashed into a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Epe, Lagos State, on Monday evening.
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. along Hospital Road, shortly after the evening service had ended. According to eyewitnesses and police reports, the unregistered tipper truck suffered brake failure while descending toward a nearby roundabout.
The driver reportedly honked in warning and attempted to swerve to avoid other vehicles and pedestrians, but lost control and plunged into the church building, trapping some worshippers who were still inside praying or preparing to leave.
Residents described chaotic scenes as the truck's load of sand spilled, burying victims under the debris.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, along with security agencies and community members, rushed to the scene to conduct rescue operations, removing sand to free those trapped.
Videos from the incident showed frantic efforts to reach survivors.Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the deaths, stating: “Six people died.
"The truck is unregistered, and the driver was nowhere to be found. The remains of the deceased worshippers have been deposited in the morgue, and an investigation is ongoing.”
Eyewitness, Tinu Oduwale recounted hearing the driver shout about brake failure before the crash, while another resident noted that the timing, post-service likely prevented an even higher death toll, as fewer people remained in the building.
The driver fled the scene immediately after the accident and remains at large. Authorities have launched a manhunt and are investigating the cause, including the vehicle's mechanical condition and lack of registration.
This tragic event has once again highlighted concerns over road safety, vehicle maintenance, and the dangers posed by overloaded or faulty heavy-duty trucks on Lagos roads.
Community leaders and church officials have called for swift justice and improved enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent similar incidents.
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