A speeding bucket truck mowed down two people on the Badagry Expressway early Sunday morning. The victims—a pedestrian and a motorcyclist—died at the Iyana-Iba Flyover near Lagos State University's main gate.
Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the tragedy in a statement. Director of Public Affairs Adebayo Taofiq provided details of the crash.
Investigations showed the truck driver was racing from the Volkswagen area toward Badagry when he struck and killed a pedestrian. He didn't stop after hitting the person.
A motorcyclist and his passenger gave chase to stop the runaway vehicle. The truck driver hit the motorcycle during the pursuit, killing the rider instantly.
His passenger survived without injuries. LASTMA officers caught the driver as he tried to escape the scene.
Night Gang Surveillance teams patrolling the expressway responded quickly to the accident. They found the motorcyclist's body trapped under the truck's front wheel.
Officers evacuated the body and handed the driver to police at PPL Police Post, Okokomaiko. Federal Road Safety Corps officials joined in the investigation.
The pedestrian's body was released to family members who came to the scene. Both vehicles were towed to the police post for safekeeping.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed grief over the deaths. He sent condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Bakare-Oki called the crash a stark warning about reckless driving. Heavy truck operators pose particular danger on Lagos roads, he noted.
He urged all drivers to respect traffic laws and speed limits. According to him, such caution saves lives and prevents needless tragedies.
LASTMA plans stronger enforcement of traffic rules going forward. The authority also committed to better emergency response and working with security agencies.
Road safety across Lagos State remains a top priority, Bakare-Oki said. The authority won't relent in its efforts to protect motorists and pedestrians.
