Tragedy in Ikorodu: Flour-Laden Truck Crushes Okada Rider to Death in Lone Fatal Crash
A tragic accident in the early hours of Saturday has claimed the life of a commercial motorcyclist in the Sabo Onimalu area of Ikorodu, Lagos, after he rammed into a moving flour-laden articulated truck.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the lone fatal crash occurred inward Itamaga along the Sabo Onimalu corridor. Preliminary investigations revealed that the commercial motorcyclist was speeding when his brakes reportedly failed, causing him to lose control and crash into the rear of the truck.
The impact of the collision was fatal, with the rider dying on the spot. LASTMA officers, who arrived swiftly at the scene as first responders, managed the situation professionally by securing the area and preventing further chaos.
It was further disclosed that the truck driver fled the scene immediately after the incident. However, LASTMA officials pursued and apprehended him before handing him over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Shagamu Road Division in Ikorodu for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The mangled body of the deceased was trapped beneath the truck and was carefully extricated by LASTMA personnel. The remains were later released to the victim’s family members, who arrived at the scene after being alerted by fellow motorcyclists.
Speaking on the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended his condolences to the bereaved family and urged all road users, particularly commercial motorcyclists, to exercise greater caution on the roads.
Mr. Bakare-Oki also called on leaders of motorcycle operators' unions in Lagos to intensify safety awareness campaigns among their members, stressing the need for regular maintenance of motorcycles, especially brake systems, to prevent avoidable tragedies.
“It is unacceptable that lives continue to be lost due to preventable mechanical failures. Commercial motorcycle operators must ensure their bikes are roadworthy before hitting the road,” he stated.
He further reiterated the Lagos State Government’s policy restricting commercial motorcycles from operating on certain roads, highways, and bridges, urging operators to comply in the interest of public safety.
The LASTMA boss also encouraged Lagosians to report any traffic-related emergencies or complaints involving the agency via its official hotline: 0810000527862.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority reaffirmed its commitment to saving lives and ensuring sanity on the roads, calling on all road users to drive responsibly and observe traffic rules at all times.
