A commercial motorcyclist was fatally crushed by a flour-transporting truck in the early hours of Sunday along the Sabo–Onimalu–Itamaga road in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, stating that the tragic accident occurred due to brake failure on the motorcyclist's vehicle.

According to LASTMA spokesperson Taofiq Adebayo, preliminary investigations revealed that the motorcyclist was traveling at high speed when his motorcycle experienced a sudden brake failure, resulting in a collision with the rear of a moving articulated truck.

"The harrowing incident involved a commercial motorcyclist who, while reportedly navigating at an uncontrollably high velocity, tragically collided with a fully loaded articulated truck transporting flour," Adebayo stated.

"Preliminary findings from an immediate on-site investigation suggest that the motorcyclist suffered a sudden and catastrophic brake malfunction, rendering him incapable of regaining vehicular control. As a result, he forcefully rammed into the rear of the moving trailer, culminating in an instantaneous fatality."

LASTMA officers were first responders at the scene, promptly securing the area and ensuring proper traffic flow. The truck driver reportedly attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by LASTMA officials and handed over to the police for further investigation.

The remains of the deceased, which were trapped beneath the truck, were later retrieved and released to family members who arrived at the accident scene.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the victim's family and used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of routine maintenance for commercial motorcycles, particularly their braking systems.

"It is of utmost urgency that operators of commercial motorcycles assume greater responsibility by subjecting their bikes to routine mechanical checks, especially essential components such as brakes," Bakare-Oki urged.

He appealed to motorcycle union leaders across Lagos to intensify safety awareness efforts and ensure their members strictly adhere to traffic regulations.

Bakare-Oki also reiterated the Lagos State Government's restriction on motorcycle operations along major highways and called for full compliance with the directive in the interest of public safety.

The public is encouraged to report any traffic emergencies or violations via LASTMA's official hotline: 0810000527862.