Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a serious road traffic incident involving a mini truck and a dispatch rider on the Lekki-Marwa axis, Victoria Island, earlier on Monday.
The incident was contained in a press release issued by the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, on Monday.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations confirmed that the truck driver contravened traffic regulations by driving against the one-way traffic flow.
It added that the driver’s actions resulted in the truck entering the dispatch rider’s lane, causing a collision that severely injured the rider.
Taofiq said, “LASTMA operatives, upon receipt of the emergency alert, responded with commendable alacrity, immediately instituting traffic control measures and stabilising the volatile situation to forestall further harm to road users.
“The injured dispatch rider was swiftly evacuated from the carriageway and transported to a nearby medical facility by public-spirited motorists, under the close coordination and logistical support of LASTMA personnel.”
The truck driver was promptly apprehended at the scene and subsequently handed over to the Maroko Police Division for thorough investigation and the institution of appropriate legal proceedings.
The severity of the offence was further compounded by the fact that the truck lacked a visible registration number, indicating a clear disregard for required vehicular documentation.
The traffic obstruction caused by the collision was quickly cleared, and normal vehicular movement was restored along the affected corridor.
LASTMA reiterates its unwavering resolve to protect lives and property on Lagos roads and issues a stern caution to all motorists, particularly truck and commercial vehicle operators, against the perilous practice of wrong-way driving, which constitutes a grave threat to public safety.
The agency once again enjoined all road users to comply strictly with traffic laws and to promptly report observed violations through designated official channels, as sustained collective vigilance remains pivotal to the realisation of a safer, more disciplined and orderly traffic environment across Lagos State.
