The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has reported a fatal road accident involving a Mercedes-Benz SUV that collided with a tricycle along the Badagry Expressway.
The SUV driver, who was allegedly driving against traffic, fled the scene after the crash.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by LASTMA Director of Public Affairs, Taofiq Adebayo, on behalf of the agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the incident occurred at Origan, Oko-Afo.
The SUV, bearing the custom plate “OSUNFNKE,” was driving one-way from Ile-Epo towards Oko-Afo when it struck a tricycle with registration number MUS 716 QM in a head-on collision.
Preliminary investigations confirmed that the tricycle operator sustained severe injuries, including a dislocated knee, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
“In a shocking act of negligence, the SUV driver abandoned both his vehicle and the victim’s body and fled the scene,” Bakare-Oki stated.
LASTMA officers promptly secured the accident site and alerted the Morogbo Police Division. Officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps later conveyed the deceased to the Badagry General Hospital mortuary. Both vehicles involved were cleared from the road by LASTMA and handed over to the police for further investigation.
“This death highlights the deadly consequences of traffic lawlessness,” Bakare-Oki said, condemning the avoidable nature of the tragedy. He noted that despite extensive public awareness campaigns, some motorists continue to flout road safety regulations with fatal consequences.
Reaffirming LASTMA’s dedication to promoting safe driving through enforcement and education, the General Manager added: “This tragedy could’ve been avoided had the driver obeyed traffic signs and regulations.” He extended condolences to the victim’s family and urged all motorists to respect traffic laws, warning that dangerous practices such as one-way driving pose a serious risk to public safety.
