LASTMA speaks as reckless driver kills female LAWMA sweeper in Meran

Tragedy struck on Saturday along Meran Road, inward Iyana Ekoro axis of Lagos, as a female operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) lost her life in a fatal road accident involving a commercial vehicle.

The incident, which sparked outrage among residents and passers-by, occurred while the deceased was carrying out her routine environmental sanitation duties by the roadside.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), preliminary investigations revealed that the accident involved a blue Ford commercial bus conveying bottled and canned beverages.

The vehicle, bearing registration number BDG 495 YH, was reportedly reversing unlawfully on the expressway when it rammed into the unsuspecting LAWMA worker.

The impact of the collision was severe, particularly to the victim’s head, leading to her instant death at the scene.

Eyewitnesses said the driver immediately fled after the accident in an apparent attempt to evade arrest, prompting anger among members of the public who attempted to apprehend him.

However, LASTMA officials on traffic surveillance duty around the Meiran axis were swiftly alerted and immediately gave chase.

The fleeing driver was intercepted, arrested, and brought back to the scene along with the vehicle.

The suspect was subsequently handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police at the Meiran Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution, in line with existing traffic and criminal laws.

LASTMA officials noted that the timely intervention of their officers also prevented a breakdown of law and order, as the suspect narrowly escaped being lynched by an angry mob.

The remains of the deceased were later evacuated by LAWMA officials using an official vehicle and taken away for necessary documentation and further procedures.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the death as painful, unfortunate, and entirely avoidable.

He expressed deep condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased, praying that they find the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Bakare-Oki strongly condemned the act of reversing on an expressway, describing it as a grave traffic offence and a clear violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

He warned motorists against reckless driving practices, noting that such actions continue to claim innocent lives and bring sorrow to families across the state.

The LASTMA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws, ensuring road safety, and protecting lives on Lagos roads.

He also commended the professionalism and vigilance of LASTMA officers involved in the incident for their swift response, successful arrest of the suspect and prevention of his escape from justice.