The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Sunday expressed deep sorrow over a fatal collision that occurred weekend at Origan, Oko-Afo, along the Badagry Expressway.
The incident, involving a commercial tricycle and a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC Sports Utility Vehicle, resulted in the immediate death of the tricycle operator. The SUV driver, however, fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle and the victim.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the SUV, bearing the customised license plate “OSUNFNKE,” was driving against the legally designated flow of traffic (colloquially known as “One-Way”) from Ile-Epo towards Oko-Afo. This gross traffic infraction led to a devastating head-on collision with the oncoming tricycle, registered as MUS 716 QM.
The tricycle operator sustained multiple traumatic injuries, including a critical knee dislocation, and was pronounced dead at the scene. In a shocking display of negligence, the SUV driver immediately fled, leaving behind his car and the deceased.
Director of Public Affairs LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the operatives swiftly arrived to secure the scene and promptly brought the matter to the Morogbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force. Police officers took control of the area, while personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), also present, conveyed the remains of the deceased to the mortuary at the General Hospital, Badagry for formal processing.
To restore traffic flow, the extensively damaged tricycle and the SUV were towed by LASTMA personnel and transferred to the Nigeria Police for further forensic investigation and potential criminal prosecution.
Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the General Manager of LASTMA, condemned the tragic incident, labeling the driver’s action as a blatant affront to public safety and a severe violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
“This lamentable loss of life is an unfortunate testament to the deadly ramifications of impunity on our roads. It is profoundly disheartening that, despite persistent enlightenment campaigns, extensive road safety sensitization, and continuous enforcement initiatives, some individuals still choose to operate with reckless abandon and utter disregard for lawful conduct.
“This tragedy could have been averted if the erring driver had complied with directional signage and traffic regulations. We earnestly implore all motorists to conduct themselves responsibly, as every life lost on our roads is one too many,” Mr. Bakare-Oki stated.
He reaffirmed LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to promoting road safety through proactive traffic management, civic responsibility education, and a strict zero-tolerance policy for infractions.
The general manager extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased tricycle operator, praying for their solace and fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
LASTMA further admonished all motorists to respect the sanctity of life and desist from any traffic misbehavior, particularly one-way driving, that endangers fellow road users and undermines public order.