CITIZENS COMPASS —The driver of an articulated vehicle on Saturday, February 3, 2024, crushed a scavenger to death around Mile 12 area of Lagos State.
Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have apprehended the driver and handed him over to the Police.
It was learnt that the accident occurred at day time when the scavenger was pushing a wheelbarrow by Mile 12 market, Ikorodu Road, Lagos.
The driver of the 16-tyre articulated truck ‘DAF’ with number plate, LSR 901 XV, was said to have rammed into the deceased crushing him and this left severe injuries and he died on the way to the hospital.
But for the intervention of LASTMA officials, some miscreants would have taken advantage of the accident to disturb peace around the area.
Confirming the incident in a statement, LASTMA spokesman, Adebayo Taofiq, said, “Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) today apprehended an articulated truck driver after crushing a scavenger pushing wheelbarrow to death by Mile 12 market, Ikorodu Road, Lagos.
“The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA Mr. Adebayo Taofiq confirmed that the accident happened between a 16-tyre articulated truck ‘DAF’ (LSR 901 XV) and a scavenger pushing a wheelbarrow on the main carriage way by Mile 12 market inward Ketu along Ikorodu Expressway, Lagos.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of an articulated truck lost control while on top speed due to a brake failure and rammed into a scavenger pushing a wheelbarrow on the main carriage way inward Ketu, Lagos.
“Immediately after the accident, the scavenger was rescued by LASTMA officers but later died while rushing him to nearby hospital for medical treatment by security personnel.
“Upon information on the death of the scavenger, some miscreants and hoodlums trooped out to attack the truck driver but, he was rescued to Ketu Police Divisional Headquarters by LASTMA officials with the support of security personnel”
“The General Manager of LASTMA Mr. Bakare-Oki Olalekan appealed to market leaders to regularly carry out safety enlightenment campaigns on the danger of using wheelbarrows to convey goods or food items on highways across the State.
“He however warned truck drivers to always avoid over speeding
and ensure that the braking system of their trucks are in good condition before embarking on any journey within or outside the State.”
