A tanker driver has been arrested by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) after allegedly fleeing the scene of a fatal crash that killed a commercial delivery motorcycle rider in Lagos. The incident occurred on Wednesday along Kodesho Road, opposite MRS Filling Station, inward Awolowo Way/Oba Akran in the Maryland-Ikeja area. The driver of a fully loaded tanker, with registration number T-19089LA, which was transporting 33-litre groundnut oil, struck and instantly killed the delivery rider. The victim died on impact, and the tanker driver attempted to escape without stopping to render aid or notify authorities.
LASTMA responded swiftly after receiving a distress call, launching a chase that led to the interception and arrest of the fleeing driver. The suspect, along with the tanker, was handed over to the State Traffic Department and the Area ‘F’ Police Command in Ikeja for further investigation and possible prosecution under the law. The agency emphasized that fleeing the scene of an accident is a serious offence and carries legal consequences.
In the aftermath, LASTMA officers secured the accident scene, managed traffic flow, and coordinated emergency operations to ensure other vehicles could move freely along Kodesho Road. Fellow delivery riders at the scene immediately contacted the deceased’s family, offering condolences and expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of their colleague. The incident has sparked renewed calls for safer driving practices, especially among operators of heavy-duty vehicles.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, expressed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family, describing the tragedy as both heartbreaking and preventable. He urged all tanker and articulated vehicle operators to maintain professionalism, remain vigilant, and strictly obey traffic regulations. Bakare-Oki warned that reckless driving, speeding, and evading responsibility after accidents endanger lives and will not be tolerated.
LASTMA reiterated its commitment to working with the Nigeria Police Force and other emergency agencies to ensure prompt response to traffic incidents, protect lives, and maintain smooth traffic movement across Lagos. The agency also encouraged the public to report any road crashes or traffic emergencies through its toll-free emergency hotline for immediate assistance. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and accountability on Lagos’s busy roads.
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