AN 11-year-old church drummer was yesterday crushed by a sand-laden tipper in Ejigbo, Lagos. The tipper marked GCE 638 XL was conveying sand to 3, Kudirat Adenekan Street, Ilamose Estate, Canoe-Ejigbo, when it ran over Emmanuel.
Emmanuel, eyewitnesses said, was trying to cross the road from behind the tipper, which was said to be reversing. His shirt was caught by a part of the tipper and he was flung under the vehicle, which smashed his head.
The tipper driver quickly ran to Ejigbo Police Station to escape being mobbed.
The police shielded him from the mob and went to the accident scene to evacuate the body.
A member of the late Emmanuel’s church, Gbenga, said: “The church was on 90 days vigil and Emmanuel was staying in the church premises due to distance from his parents’ residence. They live at 13 Ashimiyu Street, Ejigbo.
“Emmanuel was a member of the chorister of the church. He is a drummer, and lead vocalist. The 90 days vigil will end in two weeks. Emmanuel was sent on an errand by his mother to deliver a cloth which they will used for thanksgiving coming up at the church before proceeding to his tutorial lesson.”
Emmanuel’s mother, otherwise called Mama Elizabeth said: “I quickly went to somewhere and told Emmanuel to drop the cloth which we will use for thanksgiving in my shop before proceeding to his tutorial not knowing that is the last time I will see my son”.