Matilda Omonaiye/
A tanker driver who allegedly fled after crushing a commercial delivery motorcycle rider to death in Ikeja has been arrested by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
NewsmakersNG learnt that the accident occurred along Kodesho Road, opposite Mrs Filling Station, inward Awolowo Way/Oba Akran area of Lagos, where the fully laden tanker, marked T-19089LA, reportedly crushed the rider, who died instantly at the scene.
According to LASTMA, the tanker was conveying 33-litre groundnut oil when the fatal crash occurred.
Rather than stop to assist the victim or notify the authorities, the driver allegedly sped away in an apparent attempt to evade arrest. However, vigilant LASTMA officials, acting swiftly on a distress alert, launched an immediate pursuit and intercepted the fleeing tanker before apprehending the driver.
The suspect, along with the tanker, has since been handed over to the State Traffic Department (STD), Area ‘F’ Police Command, Ikeja, for thorough investigation and prosecution.
While the arrest was being effected, LASTMA personnel secured the accident scene, managed traffic flow and coordinated emergency response efforts to ensure that rescue and recovery operations proceeded without causing major disruption to motorists along the busy corridor.
The death of the delivery rider threw fellow dispatch riders into mourning. Colleagues at the scene contacted the deceased’s family and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the fatal crash as both heartbreaking and avoidable, extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
He urged drivers of articulated vehicles, tankers and other heavy-duty trucks to exercise greater caution, professionalism and strict compliance with traffic regulations, warning that reckless driving and fleeing accident scenes are serious criminal offences that put innocent lives at risk.
Bakare-Oki also reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other emergency response agencies to ensure prompt incident response, enhance road safety and maintain free traffic flow across Lagos.
The agency further appealed to residents to promptly report road crashes, traffic emergencies and other related incidents through LASTMA’s toll-free emergency hotline, 3367, for immediate intervention.
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