Six Worshippers Killed, Several Injured as Sand-Laden Truck Crashes Into Church Building in Epe, Lagos

Tragedy struck on Monday evening in Epe, Lagos State, when a truck laden with sharp sand lost control and crashed into a church building, killing six worshippers and injuring several others.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. along Hospital Road. Eyewitnesses said the truck was descending towards a roundabout when its brakes suddenly failed, causing the driver to lose control.

Tinu Oduwale, an eyewitness, told PUNCH Metro, “The truck was descending towards the roundabout when the driver suddenly discovered that the brake was no longer working. He was shouting and honking repeatedly. To avoid ramming into vehicles and people at the junction, he swerved and headed towards the building. Unfortunately, that was how the truck crashed straight into the church.”

Another resident, Sanjo, said the church congregation had just finished their evening service when the accident occurred. “The number of deaths could have been higher. Some members had already left, while others were still inside, either praying or preparing to go home when the truck rammed into the building,” he added.

Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other security personnel, were deployed to the scene. In video footage obtained by PUNCH Metro, rescuers and residents were seen unloading sand from the vehicle to free trapped victims.

The driver reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash. Police confirmed the incident. Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said, “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.”

This tragic event comes amid growing concerns over fatal road accidents in Lagos involving heavy-duty trucks, many of which are reportedly in poor mechanical condition. Last Friday, a similar crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway claimed the lives of a commercial driver and his assistant transporting live chicks.

Authorities have called on truck owners and drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy to prevent further tragedies.