A female worshipper heading to church was killed in a lone-vehicle crash at the NYSC Bus Stop in the Igando area of Lagos on Saturday, as the driver of the vehicle fled the scene.
According to LASTMA, the victim was walking along a designated pedestrian corridor on her way to a Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) church service when she was struck by a Mercedes-Benz C-300 vehicle under circumstances yet to be fully determined.
“The deceased was lawfully navigating the pedestrian pathway when the vehicle suddenly veered into her path, resulting in fatal injuries,” Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment , LASTMA, said in a statement.
Adebayo said LASTMA officers responded swiftly after receiving distress alerts, cordoning off the scene and regulating traffic flow to prevent further incidents.
“Our personnel acted with operational efficiency, securing the scene, preventing secondary collisions and ensuring traffic was controlled to avoid congestion and additional hazards,” he said.
The driver of the vehicle reportedly fled after realising the severity of the incident, an act Adebayo described as a serious violation of traffic and civic responsibilities.
“The driver absconded upon recognising the fatal outcome of the collision. This conduct not only worsens the tragedy but also constitutes a blatant breach of statutory obligations,” he added.
He noted that the vehicle involved was subsequently impounded by LASTMA officials in collaboration with officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Igando Division, to restore order and facilitate investigations.
“In a coordinated inter-agency operation, the vehicle was evacuated from the carriageway, enabling the prompt restoration of normal traffic flow within the corridor,” Adebayo said.
He further disclosed that the tragic news reached the church during the service, prompting the victim’s husband and other congregants to proceed to the accident scene.
“The husband, who was already in church, and members of the congregation were informed during the service. They proceeded to the scene and respectfully conveyed the remains of the deceased for necessary rites,” he stated.
Adebayo said the Nigeria Police Force has commenced a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash and trace the fleeing driver.
“The causative factors are under thorough investigation, and findings will guide appropriate prosecutorial measures in line with extant traffic and criminal statutes,” he said.
He conveyed condolences from LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, to the bereaved family and the MFM Church community.
“Mr. Bakare-Oki expressed profound condolences to the family and prayed that Almighty God grant them the fortitude to endure this irreparable loss,” Adebayo said.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to traffic safety and urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads.
“LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to preserving human life and enforcing traffic discipline. Motorists must adhere to speed regulations and respect pedestrian rights at all times,” he added.
