A devastating accident occurred in the Aiyetoro area of Epe on Monday, when a Dangote cement truck’s brakes failed, veering into a crowded market and claiming the lives of at least five people, including two students from Manpower Technical school, leaving many injured.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the truck, descending a slope, lost control and collided with a tricycle and a stationary Toyota Camry before crashing into the market.
Adedayo Taofiq, the director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA, confirmed that the incident involved a Dangote truck (DCG-TM-028) which had a break control failure and collided with a tricycle (Marwa AGL 442 QC) and a Toyota Camry at a Ayetoro traffic light before swerving into the Ayetoro Market complex. Epe.
LASTMA confirmed three fatalities, while eyewitnesses reported additional deaths. The victims included the tricycle driver and two students from Manpower Technical School. The LASTMA spokesperson stated that, “With Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the aid of the first responders from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority(LASTMA) arrived on the scene to secure the area. The deceased were respectfully transported to the Epe General Hospital mortuary and efforts were made to clear the devastation, including the Dangote truck, to rid traffic congestion and protect other road users.”
In separate incidents, LASTMA responders rescued five people from accidents in Abule Egba and Ketu, attributed to brake system failures.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki emphasized the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, particularly brake checks, to prevent such tragedies.
