Six worshippers were killed and several others injured after a truck loaded with sharp sand rammed into a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) branch in the Epe area of Lagos State on Monday night.

The tragedy occurred around 8:30 PM along Hospital Road, shortly after the church had concluded its evening service. While many congregants had left, some worshippers were still inside the auditorium, praying or preparing to leave, when the out-of-control truck veered off the road and crashed into the building.

Residents reported that the truck lost control while descending toward a nearby roundabout. An eyewitness, Tinu Oduwale, explained that the driver struggled as the truck’s braking system failed.

“The truck was coming down toward the roundabout when the driver suddenly realized the brakes had failed. He kept shouting and honking to warn people,” Oduwale said. She added that the driver tried to avoid vehicles and pedestrians but ultimately crashed into the church.

Another resident, Sanjo, said the victims were caught unawares while still praying. “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, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, were deployed to carry out rescue operations. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The truck driver reportedly fled the scene, and investigations are ongoing. 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, and investigations are ongoing.”