- Wale Raji warned truck drivers in Epe that roadworthiness and speed compliance are not negotiable.
- A sand truck crash into an RCCG church in Epe killed seven worshippers.
- He urged stricter enforcement of road safety regulations.
The member representing Epe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Wale Raji, has warned truck drivers operating in the area that mechanical fitness and strict adherence to speed limits are “not negotiable”, following the tragic accident that claimed seven lives in Epe, Lagos State.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Raji issued the warning in a statement while reacting to the fatal incident involving a sand-laden truck that crashed into a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) building along Hospital Road, Epe, during an evening service. The accident, which occurred around 7:45pm on Monday, left several worshippers dead and others injured.
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Describing the incident as heartbreaking, the lawmaker said he received the news “with deep shock and profound sorrow”, noting that the tragedy had cast “a dark cloud over our community”.
He extended condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the injured. “My heart goes out to every family touched by this painful loss,” he said, adding that he prayed God would grant the departed eternal rest and give the injured speedy recovery.
According to eyewitness accounts, the truck reportedly suffered brake failure while descending the Hospital Road hill. Efforts by the driver to regain control proved unsuccessful, and the vehicle veered off the road, crashing into the church building where worship was ongoing.
Six worshippers died instantly, while several others were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Epe. One of the injured victims, a young girl, later died on Tuesday morning, bringing the death toll to seven.
Residents described the atmosphere in the community as heavy with grief as families, church members and sympathisers gathered to mourn the victims.
Reacting to the circumstances surrounding the accident, Raji cautioned sand truck drivers, popularly known as tipper drivers, and other heavy-duty vehicle operators against negligence.
“Mechanical fitness, adherence to speed limits, and respect for other road users are non-negotiable responsibilities that can no longer be taken lightly,” the lawmaker said.
He stressed that human lives must never be endangered by avoidable recklessness, calling on relevant authorities and transport unions to step up enforcement.
“I call on relevant authorities and transport unions to intensify safety checks, enforce regulations, and promote strict compliance with road safety standards to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents,” Raji said.
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The lawmaker noted that although Epe was mourning, the tragedy should serve as a turning point. “Epe mourns today, but we must also rise with renewed resolve to protect lives and make our roads safer for all,” he added.
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