By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the death of six worshipers with several others injured as a truck crashed into the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) branch in Epe area of the state late Monday evening .
Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi, said the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue, and investigations are ongoing.
According to her, the driver of the unregistered vehicle fled the scene of the incident, but intensified manhunt have commenced.
The victims died when a truck carrying sharp sand veered off the road into the RCCG Church in Epe, Lagos State, on Monday evening.
The accident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Hospital Road, shortly after the church had concluded its evening service.
Many congregants had left, while some remained inside the auditorium, praying or preparing to exit, when the truck lost control and smashed into the building.
Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle’s brake system failed as it descended toward a nearby roundabout.
One resident, Tinu Oduwale, said the driver tried to warn people by honking but could not stop the truck.
“He was trying to avoid hitting other vehicles and pedestrians at the junction but ended up crashing into the church,” she said.
Another witness, Sanjo, noted that the victims were caught off guard during their prayers. “If the crash had occurred earlier, the casualty count would have been higher,” he added.
Emergency teams, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, responded quickly to the scene. Those injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while rescue personnel worked to evacuate trapped individuals.
