A tragic incident on Saturday morning has claimed the life of a female street sweeper employed by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). The fatal accident occurred when a commercial bus driver, engaging in a dangerous and illegal reversing maneuver, struck the worker on a busy highway in Lagos.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The event took place along Meiran Road toward the Iyana Ekoro axis. According to officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the victim was diligently performing her routine cleaning duties when she was hit by a blue Ford commercial bus. Preliminary investigations indicate the driver's vehicle was loaded with crates of bottled beverages at the time.
The impact of the collision was severe, with the worker suffering fatal head injuries that led to her immediate death. In a cowardly act, the driver fled the scene following the crash in an attempt to evade responsibility for his actions.
Swift Arrest Prevents Mob Justice
Thankfully, LASTMA officers on surveillance duty nearby witnessed the event and immediately launched a pursuit. They successfully intercepted the vehicle and apprehended the suspect. Officials noted that this prompt intervention was critical, as it likely saved the driver from facing violent mob action from enraged witnesses who had begun to gather at the scene.
Both the driver and the impounded vehicle have been handed over to the Meiran Police Division for a thorough investigation and subsequent prosecution.
LASTMA Condemns Blatant Lawlessness
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as both distressing and entirely preventable. He strongly condemned the driver's actions, stating that "Reversing on an expressway is not just a traffic offence, it is a blatant contravention of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law that carries terminal consequences."
Mr. Bakare-Oki extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased worker. He also reaffirmed the agency's unwavering commitment to prosecuting acts of reckless driving that endanger lives on Lagos roads. The remains of the deceased were later evacuated by officials from LAWMA.
Separate Fatal Crash on Same Road
In a related but separate incident, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed another tragic accident on Meiran Road. A multi-vehicle collision involving a Dangote Silo Mixer Truck resulted in two fatalities and three individuals sustaining critical injuries.
The accident happened near the Primary Health Centre (PHC). LASTMA's Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, explained that preliminary findings show the mixer truck was traveling at an excessively high speed when it experienced a sudden brake failure. The truck then veered uncontrollably, crashing into a commercial mini-bus (EPP 541 YF) and four tricycles (KTU 360 QN, LND 444 QL, LSR 444 QN, and EKY 122 QP). The violent impact left the vehicles mangled and trapped passengers within the wreckage.
