A devastating accident late Monday night claimed the lives of six worshippers after a sand-laden truck rammed into a church building in the Epe area of Lagos State, throwing the community into mourning.
The tragedy occurred at a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) branch located along Hospital Road at about 8:30 p.m., shortly after the church had concluded its evening service.
A truck conveying sharp sand reportedly lost control while descending the road and crashed into the structure, trapping several people who were still within the church premises.
Residents said the impact was sudden and violent, leaving worshippers pinned beneath the vehicle and heaps of sand. Emergency responders later confirmed multiple casualties, while those who sustained injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
An eyewitness recounted that the truck was approaching a nearby roundabout when the driver realised the brakes had failed.
According to her, the driver frantically honked and shouted to alert people in the area before swerving off the road in an apparent attempt to avoid hitting vehicles and pedestrians.
“He tried to divert, but the truck went straight into the church,” she said.
Another resident, identified as Sanjo, noted that the timing of the crash averted an even deadlier outcome, as many worshippers had already left after the service.
“Some people were still inside praying or preparing to leave. If this had happened earlier, the casualties would have been far worse,” he said.
Following the incident, operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, alongside other security agencies, were deployed to the scene to carry out rescue operations.
Videos from the scene showed emergency workers and residents working together to shovel sand and free victims trapped under the truck.
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It was gathered that the truck driver fled immediately after the crash.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said six worshippers lost their lives.
She added that the truck involved was unregistered and that efforts were ongoing to track down the driver.
“The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue, while investigations into the incident continue,” the police spokesperson said.