Emmanuel Clement.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has apprehended a tanker driver who allegedly attempted to flee after fatally knocking down a commercial delivery motorcycle rider along Kodesho Road, opposite Mrs Filling Station, inward Awolowo Way/Oba Akran in the Maryland-Ikeja axis of Lagos.
According to the agency, the tragic incident involved a fully loaded tanker with registration number T-19089LA, conveying 33-litre groundnut oil, which struck and crushed the dispatch rider, resulting in his immediate death.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the driver attempted to escape the scene without stopping to assist the victim or alert emergency responders.
However, upon receiving a distress call, vigilant LASTMA officials swiftly launched a pursuit, intercepted the fleeing tanker and arrested the driver before he could evade justice.
The suspect, along with the tanker, was subsequently handed over to the State Traffic Department (STD), Area ‘F’ Police Command, Ikeja, for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution in line with existing laws.
In addition to effecting the arrest, LASTMA officers secured the accident scene, managed traffic flow and coordinated emergency response efforts to ensure that recovery operations were carried out efficiently while minimising disruption to motorists using the busy corridor.
Investigator news reports that fellow delivery riders who gathered at the scene immediately contacted the deceased’s family and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their colleague, describing the incident as a painful tragedy.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the fatal crash as both unfortunate and preventable.
He urged drivers of articulated vehicles, tankers and other heavy-duty trucks to demonstrate greater professionalism, caution and strict adherence to traffic regulations, stressing that reckless driving and fleeing from accident scenes are serious offences that endanger lives and carry severe legal consequences.
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other emergency agencies to ensure prompt response to road traffic incidents, improve public safety and maintain smooth vehicular movement across Lagos State.
The agency also appealed to members of the public to promptly report traffic crashes and emergencies through LASTMA’s toll-free emergency hotline, 3367, to facilitate immediate intervention.
