Six worshippers were killed at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) branch in the Epe area of Lagos State on Monday night after a truck loaded with sharp sand rammed into the church building.
The tragedy occurred around 8:30pm along Hospital Road, shortly after the church had concluded its evening service.
Although many congregants had left, some worshippers were still inside the auditorium, praying and preparing to leave, when the heavy-duty vehicle veered off the road and crashed into the structure.
Residents said the truck lost control while descending the road toward a nearby roundabout and plunged into the church, trapping worshippers inside.
According to Daily Post, an eyewitness, Tinu Oduwale, said the driver struggled after the truck’s braking system 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 explained that the driver attempted to avoid hitting vehicles and pedestrians at the junction but ended up crashing directly into the church building.
Another resident, identified simply 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 number of casualties would have been much higher,” he said.
Emergency responders later confirmed multiple casualties at the scene, while those injured were rushed to hospitals for medical attention.
Operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, alongside other security agencies, were mobilised to carry out rescue operations.
It was also 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 while praying in the church.
“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.
