Speeding Motorist Kills Truck Driver In Lagos

A speeding motorist has killed a truck driver in a hit-and-run incident at Shangotedo inward Eleko along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, Lagos, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has said.

The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of the New Year after a fully laden 40-foot containerised truck reportedly lost balance and overturned along the busy corridor.

According to LASTMA’s spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, the agency’s 24-hour night monitoring team swiftly responded to distress alerts and secured the accident scene to prevent secondary crashes and ensure the safety of other road users.

Tragedy struck while the truck driver was attempting to place a “C” caution sign to warn approaching motorists. A speeding vehicle reportedly rammed into him and fled the scene without stopping to render assistance. The impact led to the immediate death of the driver.

“Preliminary security findings indicate that the articulated truck lost balance and capsized at the location. Upon receipt of distress notifications, the LASTMA 24-Hour Night Gang, actively monitoring vehicular flow overnight within the corridor, swiftly deployed to the scene and immediately secured the accident zone to forestall secondary collisions and safeguard road users,” Adebayo said in a statement.

“While the truck driver was conscientiously attempting to deploy a “C” caution sign to alert oncoming motorists, a recklessly speeding vehicle struck him. The errant driver absconded without rendering assistance, leaving the victim grievously injured. The force of the impact led to the instantaneous demise of the truck driver.”

LASTMA rescue officials evacuated the deceased from the roadway and handed over the body to officers of the Elemoro Police Station, who arrived following an emergency alert.

The police have commenced investigations to identify and apprehend the fleeing motorist.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the death as a painful but avoidable tragedy.

He expressed condolences to the victim’s family and warned motorists against excessive speeding and disregard for traffic warnings.

Bakare-Oki stressed that reckless driving and non-compliance with traffic regulations remain major causes of road fatalities in Lagos, urging drivers to observe speed limits and exercise caution, especially during emergencies.

LASTMA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing traffic laws and appealed to motorists to drive responsibly and show respect for human life on the state’s roads.