Dare Babalola
A commercial dispatch rider has died following a fatal road accident involving a containerised trailer at Ilupeju Bypass in Lagos, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA said the tragic incident occurred after the rider reportedly engaged in a struggle for right of way with a commercial minibus, popularly known as “Korope,” before losing control and crashing into a moving articulated trailer.
The agency said the impact of the collision resulted in severe injuries, leading to the rider’s death at the scene.
According to LASTMA, operatives monitoring traffic around the Mushin axis responded swiftly after receiving distress alerts, moving quickly to the scene to manage the situation and restore order.
The remains of the deceased were recovered from beneath the trailer by LASTMA officials, who also implemented traffic diversion measures to ease congestion and restore vehicular movement along the busy corridor.
Due to the severity of the accident, officials of the State Environmental Health Management Unit were contacted to evacuate the corpse from the scene.
LASTMA further stated that it worked in collaboration with other emergency responders and security agencies to ensure safety and order during the rescue and recovery operations.
The wreckage of the motorcycle and the articulated trailer has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and urged all road users, particularly dispatch riders and articulated vehicle operators, to exercise caution and avoid struggles for right of way that could lead to avoidable tragedies.
