LASTMA: TRUCK DRIVER ARRESTED WHILE FLEEING, RESULTING TO A DEATH OF A CYCLIST IN IKEJA, AREA OF LAGOS

By Olayiwiola Ibrahim // The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a heart breaking and a fatal road accident beneath the LASUTH Bridge at the traffic signal corridor inward Airport Road, Ikeja, involving a DAF articulated truck and an unsuspecting cyclist.

In a Preliminary security findings reveal that the tragic episode unfolded as both the cyclist and the heavy duty truck advancing from the Maryland axis, simultaneously attempted to negotiate the roundabout underneath the bridge.

Reports shows that the cyclist was unable to maintain a safe clearance from the moving truck.

The incident resulted to crushing a cyclist, who suffered a fatal injuries on the spot.

LASTMA operatives who were actively deployed to regulate and control vehicular movement at the location responded with exemplary alacrity.

In a swift proactive move by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, led to the immediate arrest of the Truck Driver while attempting to evade arrest.

The suspect was handed over to security personnel from the Ikeja Police Division for thorough investigation and prosecution in line with extant laws.

In order to avert secondary accidents and swiftly restore traffic normalcy, officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SHEMU) were urgently summoned to evacuate the remains of the deceased cyclist from the carriageway, thereby ensuring public safety and operational orderliness at the scene.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, expressed deep sorrow over the needless and irreplaceable loss of life, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

He offered prayers that Almighty God grants the family the fortitude, resilience and divine comfort required to endure the profound grief occasioned by the tragedy.

Hon. Giwa further utilized the sombre moment to issue a firm caution to cyclists and commercial motorbike riders, admonishing them to exercise heightened circumspection and to place utmost priority on their personal safety while navigating Lagos roads.

He reiterated that cyclists must strictly comply with traffic regulations and refrain from plying expressways, highways, and other major arterial routes where their exposure to danger is considerably amplified.

According to him, the Lagos State Government has over time, sustained intensive sensitisation initiatives through public jingles and documentary campaigns aimed at enlightening cyclists and other vulnerable road users on the necessity of confining their movements to inner roads, away from highways and high-risk corridors.

This safety directive equally applies to skateboard users and other non-motorized conveyances.

In a speech issued by the Lagos State Government, through LASTMA, once again reaffirms its unwavering commitment to rigorous road safety enforcement, sustained public enlightenment and the protection of all categories of road users, while urging motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to conduct themselves responsibly and strictly within the confines of traffic laws in order to forestall avoidable tragedies.