- Epe LG Chairman approved full payment of medical, mortuary, and burial expenses for all victims
- Chief of Staff, Hon. Odupe Fuad Tunde, visited FMC Epe to check on victims and convey the Chairman’s support
- Death toll rose to seven, with nine victims still receiving treatment
The Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, Hon. Princess Surah O. Animashaun, FHTI, has taken decisive responsibility for the welfare of victims and families affected by the tragic sand truck accident that occurred on Monday evening along Hospital Road, Epe, which claimed seven lives and left several others injured.
Eko Hot Blog reports that following the incident, the Chairman approved the full takeover of medical treatment for all injured victims currently receiving care at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Epe, while also covering burial and mortuary-related expenses for the deceased, in a move widely described as compassionate and humane.
On Tuesday, the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Odupe Fuad Tunde, acting on her behalf, paid a solemn and heartfelt visit to the Emergency Department of FMC Epe to personally assess the condition of the injured victims.
The visit was aimed at monitoring their medical progress, offering comfort to affected families, and ensuring that no victim or relative bears the burden of the tragedy alone.
During the visit, Hon. Odupe Fuad Tunde went round the emergency ward, interacting with survivors, their relatives, and frontline medical personnel, while conveying the Chairman’s message of empathy, solidarity, and unwavering support.
He reassured both patients and families that the local government would stand fully with them throughout their recovery.
In a decisive intervention, the Executive Chairman approved the full payment of all medical bills incurred by the accident victims, with clear assurances that quality healthcare and speedy recovery remain a top priority of her administration.
Beyond medical care, the Epe Local Government also extended support to the families of the deceased.
The remains of victims whose families were not yet ready for burial were respectfully conveyed to the Ijebu Ode Mortuary using government-provided ambulances, with all mortuary and related expenses fully covered.
Cemetery bills for families who carried out immediate burials were also settled by the local government.
Hon. Odupe Fuad Tunde further reaffirmed that the Chairman’s directive was clear: that every necessary step must be taken to protect lives, preserve dignity, and relieve families of financial and emotional distress.
He also commended the management and medical team of the Federal Medical Centre, Epe, for their swift response, professionalism, and dedication in handling the emergency.
The management of FMC Epe expressed deep appreciation for the visit and timely intervention by the Epe Local Government, describing the gesture as humane, impactful, and exemplary.
The tragic incident occurred at about 7:45pm on Monday when a truck loaded with sharp sand reportedly developed mechanical issues while attempting to climb the Hospital Road hill.
According to eyewitness accounts, the driver and another occupant stepped down to check the fault, but moments later the truck rolled backward uncontrollably and crashed into a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) building where worshippers were holding an evening service.
Six worshippers died at the scene, while 10 others were rushed to FMC Epe. Sadly, one of the injured victims, a young girl, died on Tuesday morning, bringing the death toll to seven. Nine victims, including a man, a baby, and five women, are currently receiving treatment.
The Executive Chairman, Hon. Princess Surah O. Animashaun, FHTI, has once again extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed souls, and wished the injured victims a speedy and full recovery.
She reassured residents of Epe of her administration’s continued commitment to compassionate governance, responsive leadership, and the protection of lives and human dignity.
