The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the arrest of a truck driver involved in a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of a pedestrian and a motorcyclist along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos.
The fatal incident occurred over the weekend at the Iyana-Iba Flyover inward the main gate of Lagos State University on the main carriageway of the expressway.
According to preliminary reports released by LASTMA, the heavily-loaded bucket truck was reportedly speeding from the Volkswagen axis toward Badagry when it struck and killed an innocent pedestrian. Rather than stopping after the collision, the driver allegedly continued driving recklessly along the route.
In an attempt to stop the fleeing truck driver, a motorcyclist, alongside another sympathizer, reportedly pursued the vehicle. However, the situation turned more tragic when the truck driver allegedly rammed into the motorcycle during the chase, killing the motorcyclist instantly. The second occupant on the motorcycle narrowly escaped unhurt.
Officials of the LASTMA Night Gang Surveillance and Monitoring Patrol Team, who were on routine night monitoring operations along the Badagry Expressway, swiftly responded to the emergency. The operatives carried out the difficult evacuation of the deceased motorcyclist whose body had become trapped beneath the front tyre of the truck.
The truck driver was immediately apprehended by LASTMA officials and subsequently handed over to security operatives at the PPL Police Post, Okokomaiko, alongside officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps for further investigation and necessary legal actions.
Authorities disclosed that the remains of the deceased motorcyclist were evacuated by FRSC officials, while the body of the pedestrian was released to grieving family members who later arrived at the scene after being notified of the tragedy.
Both the loaded bucket truck and the damaged motorcycle involved in the accident were also evacuated to the PPL Police Post, Okokomaiko, pending the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased victims.
He described the unfortunate incident as another painful reminder of the dangers associated with reckless driving, particularly among truck and articulated vehicle operators who often violate traffic regulations and safety measures on major highways.
Bakare-Oki urged truck drivers and other road users to strictly adhere to speed limits and exercise maximum caution during both daytime and nighttime operations to prevent avoidable tragedies on Lagos roads.
He further reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to sustained traffic surveillance, enforcement operations, emergency rescue services, and collaboration with other safety and security agencies aimed at improving road safety across Lagos State.
The statement was signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.
