LASTMA secures Apapa–Oshodi crash scene as truck driver flees after killing dispatch rider

Stanley Ihedigbo

A tragic road accident on the busy Apapa–Oshodi Expressway in Lagos has claimed the life of a dispatch rider, after a fully loaded diesel tanker rammed into his motorcycle beneath the Cele Bridge corridor.

The incident, which occurred earlier today, involved a HOWO diesel tanker bearing registration number RBC 38 XF. According to security reports, the tanker, while in motion, violently collided with the dispatch rider, trapping him beneath the heavy-duty vehicle.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the victim was confirmed dead instantly due to the severity of the impact.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority responded promptly to the distress call, arriving at the scene within minutes. Demonstrating operational efficiency, LASTMA personnel immediately secured the crash site by cordoning off the affected area with safety cones and cautionary tape to prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of other road users along the ever-busy expressway.

In the aftermath of the crash, the tanker driver reportedly fled the scene upon realizing the gravity of the incident. LASTMA officials, however, successfully impounded the vehicle involved.

Operatives from the Ijesha Police Division later arrived at the scene to reinforce security and take over investigative procedures in accordance with standard protocol.

The deceased, the impounded tanker, and the wrecked motorcycle were subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The remains of the victim were carefully extricated from beneath the tanker and transported by the police to a morgue in Yaba.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate loss of life, describing the crash as both tragic and distressing. He extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and urged law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Bakare-Oki further emphasized the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations by all road users, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles, to prevent avoidable tragedies on Lagos roads.

Authorities have since launched efforts to apprehend the fleeing driver, while investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the fatal crash.