The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Monday arrested a truck driver who attempted to flee after allegedly crushing a cyclist to death under the LASUTH Bridge along Airport Road, Ikeja, and handed him over to the police for further investigation.
Preliminary findings by LASTMA revealed that the incident occurred when the cyclist and a DAF articulated truck, both approaching from the Maryland axis, attempted to negotiate the roundabout beneath the bridge, resulting in a fatal collision.
According to LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Adebayo Taofiq, operatives deployed to the scene immediately apprehended the driver, who reportedly tried to escape, and handed him over to officers of the Ikeja Police Division for prosecution.
Adebayo noted that officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SHEMU) were also mobilised to evacuate the remains of the deceased cyclist to prevent secondary accidents and restore traffic flow.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.
He warned cyclists, commercial motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users to exercise caution and comply with traffic regulations, particularly by avoiding highways and major arterial roads.
“The Lagos State Government has sustained intensive sensitisation campaigns through public jingles and documentaries to educate cyclists and other vulnerable road users on the need to restrict their movements to inner roads, away from highways and high-risk corridors,” Giwa said.
He added that the directive also applies to skateboard users and other non-motorised road users.
LASTMA spokesperson, Taofiq Adebayo, said the agency remains committed to enforcing traffic laws and safeguarding road users across the state.
“LASTMA will continue to enforce road safety regulations, intensify public enlightenment campaigns and ensure compliance with traffic laws to prevent avoidable tragedies on Lagos roads,” Adebayo said.
