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Dare Enimola
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested a tanker driver who allegedly fled the scene after fatally knocking down a commercial delivery motorcycle rider along Kodesho Road in Ikeja.
The fatal crash occurred opposite Mrs Filling Station, inward Awolowo Way/Oba Akran, along the Maryland-Ikeja corridor, when a fully loaded tanker, registration number T-19089LA, carrying 33-litre containers of groundnut oil, reportedly struck and crushed the rider, who died instantly.
According to LASTMA, the driver attempted to escape without stopping to assist the victim or report the incident to the authorities. However, following a distress alert, LASTMA officials launched an immediate pursuit, intercepted the vehicle and apprehended the suspect before he could flee.
The agency said the driver and the tanker have since been handed over to the State Traffic Department (STD) of the Area ‘F’ Police Command, Ikeja, for investigation and possible prosecution.
LASTMA officials also secured the accident scene, managed traffic around the corridor and coordinated emergency response efforts to facilitate access for relevant agencies while minimising traffic disruption during the recovery operation.
The deceased’s colleagues, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, informed his family of the tragedy and expressed grief over the loss of their fellow delivery rider.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the death as “heartbreaking and avoidable” and extended condolences to the victim’s family.
Bakare-Oki urged operators of articulated vehicles, tankers and other heavy-duty trucks to exercise greater caution and professionalism on the roads, stressing the need for strict compliance with traffic regulations.
He warned that reckless driving, excessive speeding and fleeing the scene of an accident are serious offences that endanger lives and carry severe legal consequences.
The LASTMA boss also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other emergency response agencies to ensure prompt incident management, enhance public safety and maintain free traffic flow across Lagos State.
The agency appealed to members of the public to report road crashes, traffic emergencies and other traffic-related incidents through its toll-free emergency hotline, 3367, to enable swift intervention.
