The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has apprehended a tanker driver who allegedly fled the scene 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 area of Lagos.
According to LASTMA, the incident involved a fully loaded tanker with registration number T-19089LA, carrying 33-litre groundnut oil, which reportedly struck and crushed the delivery rider, killing him instantly.
The agency said the driver attempted to escape without helping the victim or reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities. However, following a distress alert, LASTMA officials immediately pursued the vehicle, intercepted it and arrested the driver before he could evade arrest.
The suspect and the tanker were subsequently handed over to the State Traffic Department (STD), Area ‘F’ Police Command, Ikeja, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
LASTMA officials also secured the accident scene, managed traffic flow and coordinated emergency response efforts to ensure smooth vehicular movement along Kodesho Road during the recovery operation.
Delivery riders who gathered at the scene contacted the deceased’s family and expressed condolences while mourning the loss of their colleague.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the tragedy as heartbreaking and preventable, extending his condolences to the bereaved family.
He urged operators of articulated vehicles, tankers and other heavy-duty trucks to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and exercise greater caution on the roads.
Bakare-Oki warned that reckless driving, excessive speeding and fleeing accident scenes are serious offences that endanger lives and attract legal consequences.
He reaffirmed LASTMA’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 the free flow of traffic across Lagos State.
The agency also encouraged members of the public to report traffic emergencies, road crashes and related incidents through its toll-free emergency hotline, 3367, for immediate intervention. #Securitynewsalert.com
