Dispatch Rider Killed by Diesel Tanker on Lagos Apapa-Oshodi Expressway
A dispatch rider has tragically lost his life following a collision with a diesel tanker on the Apapa–Oshodi Expressway in Lagos. The incident, which occurred under the Cele Bridge corridor, resulted in the rider being trapped beneath the tanker and pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the truck driver fled immediately after the crash, leaving authorities to secure the area and manage traffic flow.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The tanker, identified as a HOWO vehicle with registration number RBC 38 XF, struck the motorcycle while in motion on this busy section of the expressway, which links the Apapa port area to other parts of the city. Security reports confirmed that the impact was severe, leading to the rider's death. LASTMA officials stated that their personnel responded with prompt precision, cordoning off the crash site to prevent further accidents and ensure public safety along the route.
Authorities' Response and Investigation
Following the incident, the tanker was impounded, and police officers from the Ijesha Division arrived to take over the investigation. The body of the deceased rider, along with the damaged motorcycle and the tanker, was handed over to the police for further action. The remains were subsequently taken to a morgue in Yaba. General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the victim's family and described the event as distressing, calling for a full investigation into the circumstances.
Bakare-Oki urged law enforcement to ensure accountability, stating, "We urge the Police to pursue a comprehensive inquiry into the root cause of the crash and ensure that justice is served."
Ongoing Concerns and Safety Warnings
Road accidents involving heavy-duty trucks remain a significant concern on major highways in Lagos, particularly along the Apapa corridor, which experiences high volumes of commercial traffic linked to port activities. Traffic authorities have repeatedly warned drivers of articulated vehicles to adhere to safety regulations, including speed limits and vehicle maintenance requirements, to reduce such incidents. As of now, the police have not announced any arrests, and investigations into the crash are ongoing.
