Reckless One-Way’ Driver Kills Tricyclist’s Flees
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reported that an SUV driver, traveling in the wrong direction, fled the scene after a collision with a tricycle operator, resulting in the latter’s untimely demise.
This information was disclosed by LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in a statement released on Sunday by Mr. Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs.
Bakare-Oki revealed that the tragic incident transpired at Origan, Oko-Afo, along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos State.
The collision involved a commercial tricycle bearing the registration MUS 716 QM and a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC SUV with the custom plate “OSUNFNKE.”
Preliminary investigations suggest that the SUV driver was traveling against the designated traffic flow — colloquially termed “one-way” — from Ile-Epo towards Oko-Afo, blatantly disregarding traffic regulations.
According to Bakare-Oki, this grave infraction resulted in a head-on collision with the approaching tricycle, inflicting fatal injuries upon the tricycle operator.
The operator sustained catastrophic trauma, including a dislocated knee, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
“In a shocking display of negligence, the SUV driver abandoned both his vehicle and the victim’s body, fleeing the scene.
“LASTMA officials promptly secured the location and escalated the incident to the Morogbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Police officers swiftly assumed control of the site while the Federal Road Safety Corps transported the remains to the Badagry General Hospital mortuary.
“To alleviate traffic congestion, the damaged tricycle and SUV were removed by LASTMA and handed over to the police for further investigation and potential prosecution,” he stated.
Bakare-Oki denounced the incident, condemning the driver’s actions as a severe threat to public safety and a violation of transportation laws.
“This tragic death underscores the lethal consequences of traffic lawlessness,” he remarked, expressing profound sorrow over the needless loss of life.
He lamented that despite ongoing awareness campaigns and enforcement measures, some drivers persist in exhibiting reckless disregard for traffic laws and the safety of fellow road users.
He reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to ensuring safer roads through proactive traffic management, public education, and stringent law enforcement.
“This calamity could have been averted had the driver adhered to traffic signs and regulations,” Bakare-Oki asserted.
He implored motorists to act responsibly, emphasizing that even a single life lost is an irreparable tragedy.
The general manager extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, hoping they find solace and fortitude in their mourning.
LASTMA reminded all road users to value human life and shun hazardous behaviors, such as one-way driving, that imperil public safety.
