The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it has apprehended a tanker driver who attempted to flee the scene after fatally knocking down a commercial delivery motorcycle rider.

The general manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made this known in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Bakare-Oki said the accident occurred along Kodesho Road, opposite MRS Filling Station, inward Awolowo Way/Oba Akran, on the Maryland-Ikeja axis of the state.

“The tragic incident occurred when a fully laden tanker with registration number T-19089LA conveying 33-litre groundnut oil violently struck and fatally crushed the delivery rider, resulting in his instantaneous death.

“In a reprehensible attempt to evade justice, the tanker driver reportedly sped away from the accident scene without rendering assistance to the victim or notifying the relevant authorities.

“Upon receiving the distress alert, vigilant LASTMA officers mounted an immediate pursuit, successfully intercepted the fleeing vehicle, and apprehended the driver before he could escape,” he said.

The LASTMA boss said that following the arrest, the tanker driver and the vehicle were handed over to the State Traffic Department, Area ‘F’ Police Command, Ikeja, for comprehensive investigation and subsequent prosecution, in accordance with extant laws.

He said the accident corridor was secured to aid vehicular movement and to ensure that the Kodesho Road axis remained largely uninterrupted throughout the recovery exercise.

“Fellow delivery riders at the scene promptly contacted the deceased’s family members and offered heartfelt condolences while expressing profound grief over the tragic loss of their colleague,” Mr Bakare-Oki said.

He reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to road safety.

Mr Bakare-Oki appealed to operators of articulated vehicles, tankers, and other heavy-duty trucks to exercise the highest degree of professionalism, vigilance, and compliance with all traffic regulations.

He encouraged members of the public to report traffic emergencies, road crashes, and other traffic-related incidents through LASTMA’s toll-free emergency hotline, 3367, for immediate intervention. 

(NAN)