A Dangote cement truck reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed in Meiran, Lagos, killing two people including a new father and injuring several others, sparking public outrage and calls for stricter regulation.
In a heartbreaking accident this morning, a Dangote cement truck reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into multiple vehicles in front of the Meiran Primary Health Centre in Iyana Meiran, Lagos State, claiming the lives of at least two people and injuring several others.
Eyewitnesses told Freelanews that the truck, traveling from the Kola busstop direction, veered suddenly into Meiran Road in an attempt to minimize damage.
It collided with a minibus, commonly known as a Korope, crushing it against the health centre’s wall.
The Korope driver was pronounced dead at the scene after being extricated from the wreckage.
In a poignant detail, his phone rang moments later, with his mother on the line expressing a premonition of danger, unaware that her son had already perished.
The second victim was identified as Lekan, a well-known tricycle driver in the area.
Bystanders shared that Lekan’s wife had given birth just over a month ago, making him a new father. His body was also recovered from under the debris.
The crash led to immediate chaos as the truck’s drivers; two young men aged between 22 and 27, attempted to flee the scene. They were quickly apprehended by locals but were spared mob justice when police intervened, dispersing the growing angry crowd.
Tensions escalated further when police allegedly tried to impound Lekan’s tricycle, prompting resistance from his fellow tricycle operators. They argued that seizing the vehicle would deprive his grieving family of access to it, potentially worsening their hardship.
Authorities from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) responded swiftly, deploying officers to secure the site with safety cones and manage the wreckage removal.
Traffic in the area was temporarily disrupted as injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of accidents involving Dangote trucks in Nigeria, often attributed to mechanical failures like brake issues.
Also read: Lagos father shares heartbreaking experience at Meran Primary Health Centre (Photos)
Local residents have called for stricter regulations on heavy vehicles in urban areas to prevent such tragedies.
Investigations are ongoing, with police expected to provide further updates.
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Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
