The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the death of a Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) operative following a fatal road accident on Meran Road, along the Iyana Ekoro axis of Lagos.
In a statement released on Saturday via its official X account, LASTMA, through its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, said the female LAWMA worker was performing her routine environmental sanitation duties when the incident occurred.
According to the agency, she was hit by a blue Ford commercial bus with registration number BDG 495 YH, which was allegedly reversing dangerously and unlawfully on the expressway.
“The vehicle suddenly crashed into the unsuspecting LAWMA sweeper who was engaged in roadside cleaning. The impact, especially to her head, was fatal and led to her instant death,” the statement said.
LASTMA explained that its officers, who were on active traffic control duty, swiftly responded after receiving a distress alert.
“The driver attempted to flee the scene to avoid responsibility, but LASTMA operatives pursued and apprehended him, bringing both the suspect and the vehicle back to the scene,” the agency added.
The suspect and the bus were later handed over to the Meiran Police Division for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
LASTMA noted that the timely intervention of its personnel also helped avert a breakdown of law and order, as the driver narrowly escaped being attacked by an angry crowd.
The remains of the deceased were subsequently evacuated by LAWMA officials in an official vehicle to allow for necessary procedures.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the death as tragic and preventable. He extended his condolences to the victim’s family, colleagues, and loved ones, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult time.
Bakare-Oki strongly condemned the act of reversing on an expressway, calling it a serious traffic offence and a violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
He warned motorists against reckless and illegal driving practices, stressing that such behaviour continues to cause avoidable loss of lives, while commending LASTMA officers for their professionalism and prompt action in ensuring the suspect was arrested and brought to justice.
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