A lone road crash yesterday claimed the life of a commercial motorcyclist at Sabo Onimalu, heading towards Itamaga in the Ikorodu axis of Lagos State.
Reports indicated that the motorcyclist was speeding uncontrollably when he collided with a fully loaded articulated truck transporting flour.

Eyewitnesses stated that the motorcyclist experienced brake failure, making it impossible for him to regain control. Consequently, he rammed into the rear of the moving truck, resulting in his immediate death.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officers, who were the first emergency responders at the scene, managed the situation and secured the accident site. The mangled remains of the deceased were found trapped beneath the truck. With precision and care, LASTMA officials extricated and evacuated the body.

The body was subsequently handed over to the motorcyclist’s family members, who rushed to the accident site after being informed by other motorcyclists. During the intervention, it was discovered that the truck driver had fled the scene in an attempt to evade responsibility. LASTMA personnel swiftly pursued and apprehended the driver, who was handed over to operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Sagamu Road Division in Ikorodu for further investigation and potential prosecution under relevant traffic and criminal laws.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and underscored the need for vigilance among road users. He appealed to the leadership of commercial motorcycle operators’ unions across the state to intensify sensitisation campaigns among their members, highlighting the importance of vehicle maintenance, adherence to safety protocols, and compliance with traffic regulations.

Bakare-Oki reiterated the Lagos State government’s policy on the restricted movement of commercial motorcycles along certain corridors, highways, and bridges, urging strict adherence in the interest of public safety and order.

“It is crucial that operators of commercial motorcycles take responsibility by conducting routine mechanical checks on their bikes, especially essential components like brakes. The loss of life due to preventable mechanical failures is regrettable and unacceptable,” he said.