Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - Tragedy engulfed Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, branch in the Epe area of Lagos State after a truck conveying sharp sand veered off the road and crashed into a church building, leaving six worshippers dead and several others injured.

Residents said the heavy-duty vehicle lost control and plunged into the structure, trapping worshippers who were still inside the church premises.

Emergency responders later confirmed multiple casualties, while injured victims were rushed for medical attention.

The the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Monday along Hospital Road, shortly after the church had concluded its evening service.

An eyewitness, Tinu Oduwale, explained that the truck was descending the road towards a nearby roundabout when its braking system failed, forcing the driver to struggle for control.

“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 added that in an attempt to avoid crashing into vehicles and pedestrians at the junction, the driver swerved off the road, but the vehicle ended up crashing directly into the church building.

Another resident, who identified himself simply as Sanjo, said the timing of the incident prevented an even greater tragedy, as many worshippers had already left 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.

Following the crash, operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, alongside other security agencies, were mobilised to the scene to carry out rescue operations.

A video sighted by reporters showed victims trapped beneath the truck, as emergency responders and residents worked together to remove sand from the vehicle in an effort to rescue those pinned underneath.

It was also gathered that the driver of the truck fled the scene shortly after the incident.

Confirming the development, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said six worshippers lost their lives in the crash.

“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.