The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has apprehended the driver of a DAF articulated truck who allegedly fled the scene after fatally hitting a cyclist beneath the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Bridge along the traffic signal corridor toward Airport Road, Ikeja.
In a statement released on Monday, LASTMA explained that the incident occurred as both the articulated truck and the cyclist tried to navigate the roundabout under the bridge simultaneously.
“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a tragic and fatal road traffic incident beneath the LASUTH Bridge at the traffic signal corridor inward Airport Road, Ikeja, involving a DAF articulated truck and an unsuspecting cyclist,” the statement said.
The agency further noted that the cyclist reportedly failed to maintain a safe distance from the moving truck, a lapse that tragically led to the cyclist being crushed and dying instantly.
LASTMA operatives on traffic duty at the scene acted quickly. The truck driver, who allegedly attempted to escape, was intercepted and taken into custody by LASTMA officials.
“Their prompt and decisive action led to the immediate apprehension of the truck driver, who attempted to flee the scene to evade responsibility. The suspect was subsequently handed over to officers of the Ikeja Police Division for investigation and prosecution in line with extant laws,” the statement added.
Officials from the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit were also called in to remove the remains of the deceased cyclist and ensure that traffic flow was restored while preventing further accidents.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to the victim’s family.
Giwa also reminded cyclists and commercial motorcyclists to comply with traffic rules and avoid major roads and highways, where fatal accidents are more likely.
“The Lagos State Government has sustained intensive sensitisation campaigns through public jingles and documentaries to educate cyclists and other vulnerable road users on the importance of restricting their movements to inner roads, away from highways and high-risk corridors,” Giwa said.
“This safety directive also applies to skateboard users and other non-motorised means of transportation.”
