PMS Tanker Kills Okada Rider, Passenger In Lagos

A tragic road accident involving an empty Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker has claimed the lives of a commercial motorcyclist and his passenger at Pokia Junction, inward Araga, along the Epe–Ijebu Road in Epe area of Lagos State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Wednesday when the motorcyclist, who was conveying a male passenger, drove against traffic on a one-way route and was struck by the tanker, which was reportedly travelling at high speed.

The impact of the collision led to the instant death of both the rider and his passenger.

Confirming the accident, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, said LASTMA operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene to secure the area and prevent further accidents.

The driver of the PMS tanker was immediately arrested, while relevant emergency and security agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), were notified in line with established protocols.

“Preliminary security findings disclosed that the commercial motorcyclist, who was conveying a male passenger was unlawfully traversing a prohibited route (one-way), in blatant contravention of existing traffic statutes when he was struck by the empty PMS tanker who was on a high speed.

“The violent impact proved fatal, resulting in the instantaneous death of both the rider and his passenger,” Adebayo said.

The remains of the deceased victims, along with the apprehended tanker driver, were later handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Noforija Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the crash as unfortunate and avoidable.

He warned commercial motorcyclists and other road users against violating traffic laws, particularly the dangerous practice of driving against traffic and competing for right of way with heavy-duty vehicles.

Giwa reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enforcing traffic regulations to protect lives and property, urging all road users to obey traffic laws and drive responsibly to prevent further loss of lives on Lagos roads.

THE WHISTLER reports that on December 25, two people lost their lives in a diesel tanker explosion along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos.

The incident occurred at the Oto-Ijanikin axis, near the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), inward Agbara, and involved a Mack truck conveying diesel.

Preliminary findings from security investigations revealed that the explosion was caused by excessive speed, as the tanker driver reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle.

The truck crashed and immediately went up in flames, trapping the driver and an adult female occupant, both of whom were confirmed dead at the scene.