A tragic and avoidable incident on a Lagos expressway has claimed the life of a female sanitation worker, highlighting the dangers of reckless driving in the state. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the woman, an operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), was killed while performing her duties.
Details of the Fatal Meran Road Incident
The accident occurred on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, along Meran Road, inward Iyana Ekoro, Lagos. According to preliminary investigations by LASTMA, the victim was engaged in routine environmental sanitation by the roadside when she was hit. The vehicle involved was a blue Ford commercial bus with registration number BDG 495 YH, which was conveying bottled and canned beverages.
Authorities stated that the driver was reversing unlawfully on the expressway when the bus rammed into the LAWMA operative. The impact was severe, affecting the victim's head and causing instant death. Traffic officers on surveillance duty in the Meiran axis were quickly alerted to the scene.
Swift Apprehension and Handover to Police
Upon arrival, LASTMA officers discovered that the driver had fled the scene in an apparent attempt to evade responsibility. However, a swift search operation was launched. The officials successfully intercepted the suspect and returned both him and the vehicle to the accident site.
The arrested driver and the bus were subsequently handed over to personnel of the Meiran Police Division for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution. LASTMA noted that the prompt intervention by its officers and security personnel prevented a potential breakdown of law and order, as angry bystanders had gathered at the scene.
The remains of the deceased worker were later evacuated from the road by officials of the waste management agency using an official vehicle for further necessary procedures.
LASTMA Management Condemns Reckless Act
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare Oki, expressed profound sorrow over the death of the sanitation worker. He described the incident as both painful and preventable, extending his condolences to the victim's family, colleagues, and loved ones.
Bakare Oki strongly condemned the act of reversing on an expressway, labeling it a serious traffic violation under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. He issued a stern warning to motorists against reckless conduct that endangers lives and leads to needless tragedies.
The LASTMA boss also commended the vigilance and prompt response of his officers, stating that their actions ensured the suspect's arrest and upheld public safety. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to strictly enforcing traffic regulations to protect all road users in Lagos.
This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of traffic violations and the vulnerabilities faced by sanitation workers who keep the city's roads clean.
