LASTMA APPREHENDS FLEEING TANKER DRIVER AFTER FATAL HIT-AND-RUN CLAIMS LIFE OF DELIVERY RIDER IN IKEJA
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the successful apprehension of a tanker driver who attempted to flee the scene after fatally knocking down a commercial delivery motorcycle rider along Kodesho Road, opposite Mrs Filling Station, inward Awolowo Way/Oba Akran along Maryland-Ikeja axis os the State.
The tragic incident occurred when a fully laden tanker with registration number T-19089LA conveying 33-litre groundnut oil, violently struck and fatally crushed the delivery rider, resulting in his instantaneous death.
In a reprehensible attempt to evade justice, the tanker driver reportedly sped away from the accident scene without rendering assistance to the victim or notifying the relevant authorities. Upon receiving the distress alert, vigilant LASTMA Officers mounted an immediate pursuit, successfully intercepted the fleeing vehicle and apprehended the driver before he could escape.
Following the arrest, the tanker driver and the vehicle were promptly handed over to the State Traffic Department (STD), Area 'F' Police Command, Ikeja, for comprehensive investigation and subsequent prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
Simultaneously, LASTMA personnel secured the accident corridor, instituted robust traffic management measures and coordinated emergency response operations to facilitate unhindered access for relevant agencies while ensuring that vehicular movement along Kodesho Road remained largely uninterrupted throughout the recovery exercise.
Fellow delivery riders at the scene promptly contacted the deceased's family members and offered heartfelt condolences while expressing profound grief over the tragic loss of their colleague.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, describing the occurrence as both heartbreaking and avoidable.
He reiterated the Agency's unwavering commitment to road safety and passionately appealed to operators of articulated vehicles, tankers and other heavy-duty trucks to exercise the highest degree of professionalism, vigilance and compliance with all traffic regulations.
He stressed that reckless driving, excessive speed and the criminal act of fleeing accident scenes constitute grave offences that endanger innocent lives and attract the full weight of the law.
Mr. Bakare-Oki further reaffirmed LASTMA's steadfast resolve to sustain close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other emergency response agencies in ensuring prompt incident management, preserving public safety and maintaining seamless vehicular movement across Lagos State.
Members of the public are encouraged to report traffic emergencies, road crashes and other traffic-related incidents through LASTMA's toll-free emergency hotline, 3367, for immediate intervention.
Adebayo Taofiq Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA
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