Olusegun Ariyo
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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has confirmed the death of an operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, following a fatal road accident on Meran Road, along the Iyana Ekoro corridor of Lagos.In a statement issued on Saturday through its official X handle, LASTMA, via its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, said the female LAWMA staff member was carrying out routine environmental sanitation duties when the incident occurred.According to the agency, the victim was hit by a blue Ford commercial bus with registration number BDG 495 YH, which was allegedly reversing dangerously and illegally on the expressway.“The vehicle suddenly rammed into the unsuspecting LAWMA sweeper who was engaged in roadside cleaning. The impact, particularly to her head, was severe and resulted in her immediate death,” the statement said.LASTMA disclosed that its operatives, who were on active traffic monitoring duties, promptly responded after receiving an alert about the crash.“The driver fled the scene in an apparent attempt to evade responsibility. However, LASTMA officers pursued and apprehended him, returning both the suspect and the vehicle to the scene,” the agency stated.The arrested driver and the bus were subsequently handed over to officers of the Meiran Police Division for further investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws.LASTMA noted that the swift intervention of its personnel also prevented a possible breakdown of law and order, as the suspect narrowly escaped being attacked by an angry crowd.The body of the deceased was later evacuated from the scene by LAWMA officials using an official vehicle to enable necessary procedures.Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the death as tragic and avoidable. He expressed deep sympathy to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort for them in the face of the loss.Bakare-Oki strongly condemned the act of reversing on an expressway, describing it as a serious traffic violation and a clear breach of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.He cautioned motorists against reckless and unlawful driving habits, warning that such actions continue to lead to needless loss of lives.He also praised the professionalism and prompt response of LASTMA officers involved in the incident, particularly for ensuring the arrest of the suspect and preventing him from escaping justice.
