A female operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has died after a fatal road accident on Meiran Road, along the Iyana Ekoro corridor of Lagos, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has confirmed.
The incident, which occurred during routine environmental sanitation activities, has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by sanitation workers on Lagos roads and the consequences of reckless driving.
Tragedy Strikes During Routine Sanitation Duty
In a statement issued on Saturday via its official X handle, LASTMA, through its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed that the LAWMA operative was performing her official roadside cleaning duties when she was struck by a commercial vehicle.
According to the agency, the victim was hit by a blue Ford commercial bus with registration number BDG 495 YH, which was allegedly reversing dangerously and illegally on the expressway.
“The vehicle suddenly rammed into the unsuspecting LAWMA sweeper who was engaged in roadside cleaning. The impact, particularly to her head, was severe and resulted in her immediate death,” the statement said.
Illegal Reversing Turns Deadly
LASTMA described the driver’s action as a clear case of reckless and unlawful driving, stressing that reversing on an expressway poses grave danger to both pedestrians and other road users.
The agency noted that the accident was entirely avoidable, had the driver complied with traffic regulations governing highway conduct.
Driver Attempts Escape, Arrested After Chase
Following the collision, the driver reportedly fled the scene in an attempt to evade responsibility. However, LASTMA operatives who were on active traffic monitoring duties swiftly responded after receiving an alert.
“The driver fled the scene in an apparent attempt to evade responsibility. However, LASTMA officers pursued and apprehended him, returning both the suspect and the vehicle to the scene,” the agency stated.
The suspect and the bus were later handed over to officers of the Meiran Police Division for further investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws.
Swift Intervention Prevents Mob Action
LASTMA added that the prompt response of its officers also helped prevent a breakdown of law and order, as the driver narrowly escaped being attacked by an angry crowd at the scene.
Meanwhile, the body of the deceased was evacuated by LAWMA officials using an official vehicle to allow for necessary procedures.
‘A Tragic and Avoidable Loss’ — LASTMA GM
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the death as tragic, painful, and avoidable. He expressed deep sympathy to the victim’s family, colleagues, and loved ones, praying for strength and comfort for them during the difficult time.
Bakare-Oki strongly condemned the act of reversing on an expressway, describing it as a serious traffic offence and a clear violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
Warning to Motorists as Safety Concerns Grow
The LASTMA boss cautioned motorists against reckless and unlawful driving habits, warning that such actions continue to result in needless loss of innocent lives, particularly among workers exposed to roadside risks.
He also commended the professionalism and vigilance of LASTMA officers involved in the incident, praising their swift arrest of the suspect and efforts to ensure justice is served.
The incident has renewed calls for greater protection for sanitation workers and stricter adherence to traffic laws to prevent further tragedies on Lagos roads.