The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested a tanker driver who allegedly fled after fatally knocking down a commercial delivery motorcycle rider along Kodesho Road, opposite MRS Filling Station, inward Awolowo Way/Oba Akran, in the Maryland-Ikeja area of Lagos.

LASTMA said the accident involved a fully loaded tanker with registration number T-19089LA, conveying 33-litre groundnut oil containers. The vehicle reportedly struck and crushed the rider, who died instantly.

According to the agency, the driver attempted to escape without stopping to assist the victim or alert emergency authorities. However, LASTMA officials responded to a distress call, pursued the tanker and apprehended the driver before he could flee.

The driver and the tanker have since been handed over to the State Traffic Department (STD), Area ‘F’ Police Command, Ikeja, for investigation and possible prosecution.

LASTMA officials also secured the accident scene, managed traffic around the corridor and coordinated emergency response efforts to minimise disruption to motorists during the recovery operation.

The deceased’s fellow delivery riders reportedly contacted his family and expressed grief over the loss of their colleague.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the tragedy as heartbreaking and avoidable, while extending condolences to the victim’s family.

He urged operators of articulated vehicles, tankers and other heavy-duty trucks to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, stressing that reckless driving, speeding and fleeing accident scenes are serious offences that endanger lives and carry legal consequences.

Bakare-Oki also reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other emergency agencies to improve road safety, ensure prompt incident response and maintain the free flow of traffic across Lagos.

He encouraged residents to report road crashes and other traffic emergencies through LASTMA’s toll-free emergency hotline, 3367, for immediate intervention.