Emmanuel Clement
A tragic accident on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos has claimed the life of a police officer after a reckless motorist reportedly rammed into the officer’s motorcycle during traffic operations along the busy corridor.
The fatal incident occurred around the Adekunle inward Iyana Oworo section of the bridge when the driver of a Lexus vehicle with registration number EPE 765 JN allegedly crashed into a police officer riding a Bajaj motorcycle.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the impact of the collision was severe, leading to the instant death of the police officer at the scene. The driver of the Lexus vehicle subsequently reported himself at the Adekunle Police Division shortly after the incident.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) swiftly responded to distress calls and mobilised to the scene alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force to manage traffic and secure the accident area.
To prevent further mishaps and maintain safety for other motorists, LASTMA officials strategically placed traffic cones and warning devices around the affected section while police authorities commenced documentation and investigation into the unfortunate occurrence.
Emergency recovery and evacuation operations were also immediately carried out to remove the damaged vehicles and restore smooth traffic flow on the Third Mainland Bridge.
Despite the gravity of the accident, traffic movement around the axis was effectively managed due to the rapid intervention and coordinated traffic control measures put in place by LASTMA personnel.
Reacting to the development, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, stressed the importance of responsible driving and strict adherence to speed regulations.
He warned motorists against reckless driving, noting that careless behaviour on the road continues to endanger innocent lives and contribute to avoidable fatalities across Lagos.
Bakare-Oki further urged road users to remain cautious, obey traffic laws and prioritise human safety while driving on highways and major roads within the state.