A dispatch rider lost his life in a fatal crash at Motorways inward Estate, Alapere, on Monday after a speeding tanker rammed into him, with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) intervening to avert a breakdown of law and order.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, LASTMA, Taofiq Adebayo, described the incident as both “devastating and avoidable.”
The crash, which cast a pall over the Alapere axis, involved an empty NIPCO tanker and a dispatch rider identified simply as an “AOC” operator.
Adebayo said preliminary findings indicated that the tanker driver, allegedly travelling at excessive speed, violently collided with the moving dispatch rider, leading to his instant death.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of an empty tanker, travelling at a dangerous speed inward the Estate axis of Alapere, rammed into a dispatch rider, killing him instantly,” he said.
He noted that the aftermath of the crash triggered tension in the area, as fellow dispatch riders reportedly mobilised and attacked the tanker driver in anger.
“In the immediate aftermath of the incident, a group of aggrieved dispatch riders converged at the scene and launched an attack on the tanker driver,” he stated.
Adebayo, however, commended LASTMA operatives for their swift and professional response, which prevented the situation from degenerating into further violence.
“Our officers exhibited remarkable alacrity and professionalism by arriving promptly at the scene. Their timely intervention was instrumental in preventing a total breakdown of law and order,” he said.
He added that the officers, displaying restraint and tactical expertise, successfully rescued the tanker driver from the mob.
“With commendable composure, LASTMA personnel extricated the tanker driver from the hostile crowd and ensured his safety,” Adebayo stated.
He further disclosed that the injured driver was immediately handed over to officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) for urgent medical attention.
“The driver, who sustained serious injuries during the attack, was promptly transferred to LASAMBUS officials and conveyed to a nearby hospital for treatment,” he added.
To restore calm and reinforce security, operatives of the Nigeria Police from the Alausa Division were deployed to the scene.
“The presence of police operatives provided critical support in dispersing the agitated gathering and restoring normalcy to the area,” Adebayo noted.
He also confirmed that the remains of the deceased rider, along with the wreckage of the motorcycle and the tanker, had been handed over to the police for further investigation.
“The matter has since been transferred to the appropriate authorities for comprehensive investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.
While expressing deep condolences to the bereaved family, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki stressed the urgent need for stricter adherence to traffic regulations, particularly by tanker drivers.
“This unfortunate incident underscores the grave consequences of reckless driving and excessive speed, which remain leading causes of avoidable fatalities on our roads,” he warned.
He urged all road users to prioritise safety and act responsibly at all times.
“We appeal to motorists, especially operators of articulated vehicles, to exercise utmost caution, obey speed limits, and respect traffic laws. Every life on our roads is precious and must be protected,” Bakare – Oki added.
