……….As LASTMA Urges Caution.
Emmanuel lkpeama
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has expressed deep sorrow over a fatal road accident involving a commercial dispatch rider and a containerized articulated trailer at Ilupeju Bypass in Lagos.
According to preliminary investigations, the tragic incident occurred after the dispatch rider allegedly engaged in a dangerous struggle for right of way with a commercial minibus, popularly known as “Korope,” before losing control and crashing into a moving trailer along the busy Ilupeju corridor.
The impact of the collision reportedly caused fatal injuries, leading to the rider’s immediate death at the scene.
Investigator news reports that officials of LASTMA stationed around the Mushin axis swiftly responded after receiving distress alerts and immediately commenced rescue and traffic control operations.
The agency confirmed that its operatives successfully recovered the remains of the deceased rider trapped beneath the trailer while simultaneously managing the heavy traffic congestion caused by the accident.
The State Environmental Health Management Unit was also contacted to evacuate the corpse, while security operatives from the Ilupeju Police Division provided support throughout the rescue and recovery exercise.
LASTMA further disclosed that the damaged motorcycle and the articulated trailer involved in the accident have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing traffic laws.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki sympathized with the bereaved family and urged all road users, particularly dispatch riders and articulated vehicle operators, to avoid reckless competition for right of way on Lagos roads.
Bakare-Oki noted that the agency’s recent stakeholders’ engagement with courier and dispatch riders was aimed at promoting safety consciousness, adherence to speed limits and strict compliance with traffic regulations to prevent avoidable loss of lives.