A female operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been killed in a fatal road accident along Meiran Road, inward Iyana Ekoro axis of Lagos, after being struck by a commercial bus that was reportedly reversing unlawfully on the expressway.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the incident occurred earlier on Saturday while the deceased was carrying out routine environmental sanitation duties. Preliminary findings revealed that a blue Ford commercial bus loaded with bottled and canned beverages was recklessly reversing when it rammed into the LAWMA sweeper.
The impact, particularly to the victim’s head, was described as severe and instantly fatal.
LASTMA officials on traffic surveillance duty in the Meiran area promptly responded to the distress call. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the driver had fled the scene in an attempt to evade arrest. However, LASTMA officers pursued the vehicle, apprehended the suspect and returned him to the scene of the accident.
The driver and the vehicle were subsequently handed over to officers of the Meiran Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution. LASTMA noted that the swift intervention of its officers also prevented a breakdown of law and order, as the suspect was close to being attacked by angry bystanders.
The remains of the deceased were evacuated by LAWMA officials using an official vehicle for onward transfer and necessary procedures.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the death as tragic, avoidable and deeply distressing. He extended condolences to the family, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased, praying for strength for them in the face of the loss.
Bakare-Oki strongly condemned the act of reversing on an expressway, noting that it is a serious traffic offence and a violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018. He warned motorists against reckless and unlawful driving, stressing that such actions continue to claim innocent lives.
He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to enforcing traffic regulations and safeguarding lives on Lagos roads, while commending the vigilance and professionalism of the officers involved in apprehending the suspect and ensuring he did not escape justice.