The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested 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 on the Maryland-Ikeja axis of Lagos.
According to LASTMA, the tragic incident involved a fully loaded tanker with registration number T-19089LA, carrying 33 litres of groundnut oil. The tanker reportedly struck and crushed the delivery rider, who died instantly.
The agency said the driver attempted to escape without stopping to assist the victim or report the incident to the authorities. However, following a distress alert, LASTMA officials launched an immediate pursuit, intercepted the tanker and apprehended the driver before he could flee.
The suspect and the vehicle have since been handed over to the State Traffic Department (STD), Area 'F' Police Command, Ikeja, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
LASTMA officers also secured the accident scene, managed traffic flow and coordinated emergency response efforts to ensure smooth movement of vehicles along Kodesho Road while recovery operations were ongoing.
Fellow delivery riders at the scene reportedly contacted the deceased's family and expressed grief over the loss of their colleague.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the tragedy as heartbreaking and avoidable. He extended his condolences to the bereaved family and urged operators of articulated vehicles, tankers and other heavy-duty trucks to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and exercise greater caution on the roads.
He warned that reckless driving, speeding and fleeing the scene of an accident are serious offences that endanger lives and carry severe legal consequences.
Bakare-Oki also reaffirmed LASTMA's commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other emergency response agencies to improve road safety, ensure prompt incident management and maintain free flow of traffic across Lagos State.
The agency urged members of the public to report traffic emergencies, road crashes and other traffic-related incidents through its toll-free emergency hotline, 3367, for immediate response.
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