A commercial tricycle operator lost his life over the weekend following a head-on collision with a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC SUV that was reportedly driving against traffic at Origan, Oko-Afo, along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos.
According to preliminary investigations by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the SUV, bearing the customized number plate 'OSUNFNKE', violated the one-way traffic directive while traveling from Ile-Epo toward Oko-Afo when it collided with the commercial tricycle registered as MUS 716 QM.
LASTMA officials confirmed that the SUV was driving on the wrong side of the road at the time of the incident. The collision resulted in severe injuries to the tricycle operator, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency Response and Investigation
LASTMA personnel promptly arrived at the scene to manage the situation and ease vehicular movement in the area. The case has since been transferred to the Morogbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force for a detailed investigation.
Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also responded to the incident and evacuated the deceased to the General Hospital morgue in Badagry. Both vehicles involved in the collision have been impounded and are currently in police custody pending forensic examination and possible prosecution.
LASTMA Condemns Reckless Driving
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, strongly condemned the incident, describing the driver's actions as "a blatant affront to public safety and a gross violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018."
"This lamentable loss of life is an unfortunate testament to the deadly ramifications of impunity on our roads," he stated. "It is profoundly disheartening that, despite persistent enlightenment campaigns and rigorous enforcement efforts, some motorists continue to show reckless disregard for traffic regulations."
Bakare-Oki extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and urged all road users to comply with traffic laws, emphasizing that such tragedies are preventable when motorists act responsibly. He called on drivers to prioritize the sanctity of human life above all else.
LASTMA has reiterated its warning to motorists against dangerous practices, particularly one-way violations, stressing that it would continue to impose strict penalties on erring drivers to ensure the safety of all road users in Lagos.
Stay updated with the latest news by following BenriNews on social media:
