Fatal crash claims life in Lagos
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
A dispatch rider has lost his life in a fatal road accident that occurred at Motorways inward Estate area of Alapere in Lagos, while officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) prevented what could have escalated into further tragedy.
According to a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the incident involved an empty tanker belonging to NIPCO with registration number TTN-776ZQ.
Preliminary findings revealed that the tanker driver, reportedly driving at high speed along the Estate axis of Alapere, rammed into the moving dispatch rider, leading to his instant death.
The statement noted that LASTMA officers responded swiftly to the scene, where they encountered a tense situation as a group of angry dispatch riders had gathered and attacked the tanker driver.
“LASTMA officials, through timely intervention and professionalism, were able to rescue the tanker driver from the mob and prevent a breakdown of law and order,” the statement said.
The injured driver was subsequently handed over to officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) and taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Security operatives from the Alausa Police Station were also deployed to the scene to restore calm and disperse the agitated crowd.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased rider and urged all road users to prioritise safety.
He warned tanker drivers and motorists against reckless driving, noting that excessive speed remains a major cause of road accidents in the state.
“This unfortunate incident underscores the need for caution and strict adherence to traffic regulations. Every road user must act responsibly to protect lives,” Bakare-Oki stated.
He added that the tanker and the damaged motorcycle have been handed over to the police, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash reiterating the agency’s commitment to ensuring road safety and maintaining order across Lagos roads.