LAGOS — A tragic collision on the Badagry Expressway has left a commercial tricycle rider dead after a head-on crash involving a Mercedes-Benz SUV reportedly driven against traffic. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a consequence of gross recklessness and disregard for traffic laws.
The accident occurred over the weekend at Origan, Oko-Afo, along the busy Ile-Epo–Oko-Afo corridor. Witnesses say the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC SUV, bearing the customized plate “OSUNFNKE,” was travelling against the legal flow of traffic when it rammed into the oncoming tricycle with registration number MUS 716 QM.
According to LASTMA, preliminary investigations suggest the SUV driver was flagrantly violating the state’s traffic regulations by driving one-way. The impact of the crash was fatal, killing the tricycle operator instantly. The victim reportedly suffered multiple traumatic injuries, including a severe knee dislocation.
Shockingly, the SUV driver fled the scene, abandoning both his vehicle and the deceased victim.
LASTMA operatives, who arrived swiftly at the scene, secured the area and handed the case over to officers of the Morogbo Police Division. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was also present and evacuated the remains of the deceased to the mortuary at the General Hospital in Badagry.
To prevent further gridlock, both the wrecked tricycle and SUV were cleared from the road and taken into police custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Speaking on the incident, LASTMA General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed outrage at the driver’s actions, describing them as “a blatant affront to public safety” and a clear violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
“This avoidable tragedy is yet another grim reminder of the deadly consequences of impunity on our roads,” Bakare-Oki said. “It is deeply troubling that despite our sustained campaigns and traffic enforcement efforts, some drivers still flout the law with such recklessness.”
He stressed the agency’s commitment to enforcing road safety through a mix of proactive traffic control, public education, and strict penalties for violations.
“We urge all motorists to obey traffic signs and drive responsibly. A single loss of life on our roads is one too many,” he added.
The General Manager also extended condolences to the bereaved family, praying for comfort and strength during their period of grief.
LASTMA concluded by warning all road users against life-threatening violations such as one-way driving, which it described as a serious danger to public safety and road order.
