CITIZENS COMPASS—The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Thursday, confirmed a fatal accident whereby a train crushed a dispatch rider to death in the State.
According to LASTMA, the fatal accident occurred at the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja.
Confirming the unfortunate accident in a statement, LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofik, cautioned dispatch riders to always adhere to traffic regulations.
LASTMA in the statement said, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) regrets to announce a tragic accident that occurred earlier today at the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja, involving a moving train and a dispatch motorcycle with registration number AGL 179 QR.
“Preliminary investigations conducted by security personnel at the scene revealed that the dispatch rider, reportedly travelling at excessive speed, attempted to hastily manoeuvre across the railway track in a bid to access the GRA axis of Ikeja. In the process, he collided with an oncoming train. The impact proved fatal, as the rider died instantly, while the train continued its movement along the track.
“As the first responders, LASTMA personnel promptly cordoned off the scene of the incident to avert secondary mishaps and ensure the free flow of vehicular movement within the area with support from security personnel from Shogunle Police Divisions.
“The State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) was immediately contacted and arrived at the scene to evacuate the remains of the deceased for appropriate action.
“The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed profound sympathy to the bereaved family, describing the incident as “a distressing reminder of the dire consequences of impatience and disregard for traffic safety rules, particularly at railway level crossings.”
“Mr. Bakare-Oki earnestly appealed to all dispatch riders and the motoring public to exercise utmost caution, patience, and discipline while on the road—especially around railway intersections.
“He emphasized the importance of strict compliance with all traffic signals and government-installed warning signs, not only across Lagos State but throughout the federation, to prevent avoidable road tragedies.
“The General Manager further reaffirmed LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to continuous public enlightenment, proactive enforcement, and safety advocacy in its mission to ensure sanity, discipline, and orderliness across the Lagos metropolis.”
