A Dangote Cement truck allegedly crashed into a busy market in Epe, Lagos, on Monday, killing dozens of people and injuring many others.
The truck reportedly lost its brakes and plowed into stalls and bystanders. In a shocking video shared online by Lagos Junction, officials from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) were seen loading mangled bodies into their pickup trucks. No ambulance or medical personnel was visible at the scene.
Witnesses said the truck was carrying cement when it lost control. It smashed through the market, hitting people and vehicles before coming to a stop. Sources described a scene of chaos, with many vendors and shoppers scrambling to help the wounded.
Dangote Cement trucks linked to previous accidents
This incident is not the first involving Dangote Cement trucks in Lagos. Over the past few years, the company’s fleet has been linked to several deadly crashes in Lagos and beyond:
- January 2021: A Dangote Cement truck collided with a minibus, killing 14 people.
- March 2022: A truck crashed on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, killing six.
- July 2023: A truck rammed into a building in Surulere, killing four.
- October 2024: Another Dangote Cement truck caused a fatal accident near the Otedola Bridge, killing seven.
These repeated incidents have raised concerns about the safety of the company’s fleet.
Authorities investigate the Epe Crash
The FRSC, the Nigerian Police, and other agencies have reportedly launched an investigation into the Epe accident. They are looking into whether the truck was properly maintained and if the driver followed safety protocols.
The FRSC often calls for stricter checks on large trucks to prevent accidents like this in the future. It has also warned against reckless driver as the ember months set it.
Company’s response
Dangote Cement has not yet released a statement about the Epe crash. However, the company has previously promised to improve safety in its fleet. In 2023, Dangote Cement said it was upgrading its trucks to include better safety features, like anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
Despite these efforts, many are skeptical about the company’s commitment to road safety. Local residents are calling for stronger action to prevent further tragedies.
The Epe crash highlights the wider road safety problem in Nigeria. The country has one of the highest rates of road traffic deaths in Africa. Poor road conditions, lack of vehicle maintenance, and weak enforcement of traffic laws all contribute to the high number of fatalities.
In response to the crash, many are urging the government to improve road infrastructure and make transport companies more accountable for safety. Nigerians are also demanding justice for accident and their families. They equally urge for greater efforts to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Leave feedback about this