Anebi
A tragic accident claimed the life of a commercial motorcyclist in the early hours of Sunday, along the Sabo–Onimalu–Itamaga road in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
The victim was fatally crushed by a truck transporting flour.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed the incident in a statement, revealing that the crash occurred as a result of a brake failure.
According to LASTMA’s spokesperson, Taofiq Adebayo, preliminary investigations indicate that the motorcyclist was traveling at high speed when his motorcycle suffered a sudden brake failure, leading to a fatal collision with the rear of a moving articulated truck.
“The harrowing incident involved a commercial motorcyclist who, while reportedly navigating at an uncontrollably high velocity, tragically collided with a fully loaded articulated truck transporting flour,” Adebayo’s statement read in part.
“Preliminary findings from an immediate on-site investigation suggest that the motorcyclist suffered a sudden and catastrophic brake malfunction, rendering him incapable of regaining vehicular control. As a result, he forcefully rammed into the rear of the moving trailer, culminating in an instantaneous fatality.”
LASTMA officers were first to arrive at the scene, promptly bringing the situation under control and cordoning off the area to ensure safety and proper traffic flow.
In the aftermath of the crash, the truck driver reportedly attempted to flee but was quickly pursued and apprehended by LASTMA officials. He has since been handed over to the police for further investigation.
The deceased’s remains, which were trapped beneath the truck, were later retrieved and released to grieving family members who arrived at the scene.
Expressing sorrow over the loss, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the victim’s family. He used the opportunity to call attention to the importance of routine maintenance for commercial motorcycles, especially the braking systems.
“It is of utmost urgency that operators of commercial motorcycles assume greater responsibility by subjecting their bikes to routine mechanical checks, especially essential components such as brakes,” Bakare-Oki urged.
He further appealed to leaders of motorcycle unions across Lagos to step up safety awareness efforts and ensure strict adherence to traffic regulations among their members.
Bakare-Oki also reiterated the Lagos State Government’s restriction on motorcycle operations along major highways and urged full compliance with the directive in the interest of public safety.
LASTMA encouraged members of the public to report any traffic emergencies or violations via their official hotline: 0810000527862.
Truck crushes motorcyclist to death in Ikorodu, Lagos
