At least six worshippers have been confirmed dead following a tragic accident in which a truck crashed into a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) branch in the Epe area of Lagos State.
According to a report by SAHARAREPORTERS, the incident occurred around 8:30pm on Monday along Hospital Road, shortly after the church had concluded its evening service.
Although many congregants had already left the premises, some worshippers were still inside the church auditorium, praying and preparing to leave, when the sand-loaded truck veered off the road and slammed into the building, causing panic and trapping people inside.
Residents in the area said the truck lost control while descending the road toward a nearby roundabout, before crashing directly into the church structure.
An eyewitness, Tinu Oduwale, told Daily Post that the driver began shouting and honking after realising the truck’s braking system had failed.
“The truck was coming down towards the roundabout when the driver suddenly realised the brakes had failed. He kept shouting and honking to warn people,” she said.
Oduwale added that the driver attempted to avoid hitting vehicles and pedestrians at the junction but ended up crashing into the church building.
Another resident, identified as Sanjo, said the victims were caught unawares while still praying inside the church.
“They had just finished their service. Some people were still inside, praying or getting ready to leave, when the truck rammed into the building. If it had happened earlier, the casualties would have been much higher,” he said.
Emergency responders later arrived at the scene as multiple casualties were recorded, while those injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, alongside other security agencies, carried out rescue operations to recover victims trapped in the debris.
It was gathered that the driver of the truck fled the scene shortly after the crash.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said six worshippers lost their lives in the accident.
“The truck involved is unregistered, and the driver is currently at large. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue, while investigations are ongoing,” she said.