A dispatch rider lost his life in a tragic incident on Thursday after being crushed by a moving train at the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja, Lagos State.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, the fatal accident occurred in the early hours of the day when the rider, who was on a motorcycle with registration number AGL 179 QR, attempted to cross the railway track.
Taofiq said, “Preliminary investigations by security operatives at the scene revealed that the dispatch rider, who was reportedly on top speed, tried to hurriedly cross the railway line to access the GRA area of Ikeja. Unfortunately, he collided with an oncoming train and died instantly.”
He added that LASTMA officials, who were the first responders, immediately secured the scene to prevent secondary accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow.
“The body of the deceased was handed over to officers from the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, who evacuated the remains for necessary action,” Taofiq stated.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the deceased’s family while warning motorists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians to exercise caution at railway crossings.
Bakare-Oki said, “This unfortunate incident is a reminder that no life is worth risking by ignoring traffic signals. We urge all road users to strictly adhere to warning signs and signals, particularly at railway intersections, to avoid preventable tragedies.”
He reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to continuous public education, strict enforcement, and safety campaigns across Lagos to promote discipline and sanity on the roads.
The accident adds to the list of recurring train-related fatalities in Lagos.
In previous years, similar incidents have been recorded at PWD, Mushin, and other parts of the state, prompting calls for the installation of functional level-crossing gates and signal systems by authorities to prevent further loss of lives.
