Bus fatally hits LAWMA sweeper in Lagos, driver arrested — LASTMA
A Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) operative has been killed in a road traffic accident along Meran Road, inward Iyana Ekoro axis of Lagos, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed.
LASTMA disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Saturday via its official X platform, signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.
According to the Agency, the victim, a female LAWMA street sweeper, was lawfully engaged in routine environmental sanitation duties when she was struck by a commercial bus.
The statement identified the vehicle as a blue Ford commercial bus with registration number BDG 495 YH, which was allegedly reversing recklessly and unlawfully on the expressway at the time of the incident.
“The vehicle forcefully rammed into the unsuspecting LAWMA operative who was conscientiously carrying out roadside cleaning.
The impact, particularly to the head region, was severe and resulted in instant death,” LASTMA said.
LASTMA officials on active traffic surveillance were said to have responded swiftly after receiving a distress alert.
The driver of the bus reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash in an attempt to evade responsibility.
However, LASTMA officers pursued the fleeing vehicle, apprehended the driver and escorted him, alongside the bus, back to the scene of the incident.
The Agency noted that the prompt action of its Officers prevented a potential breakdown of public order, as an angry crowd had begun to gather and was on the verge of attacking the suspect.
The apprehended driver and the vehicle were subsequently handed over to operatives of the Meiran Police Division for further investigation and prosecution in line with extant laws.
LASTMA added that the remains of the deceased LAWMA operative were respectfully evacuated from the scene by LAWMA officials using an official vehicle for necessary procedures.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the death as tragic, distressing and entirely preventable.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased, praying for divine strength for them in the face of the irreparable loss.
Bakare-Oki strongly condemned the act of reversing on an expressway, stressing that it constitutes a serious traffic offence and a clear violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
He warned motorists against reckless and unlawful driving practices, noting that such behaviour continues to result in avoidable deaths and public grief.
He also commended the vigilance, professionalism and swift response of LASTMA officers involved in the incident, particularly for ensuring the arrest of the suspect and preventing his escape from justice.
The LASTMA boss recalled that a similar incident occurred only days earlier when a Silo Mixer Truck collided with four other vehicles, killing two people and leaving three others critically injured.
In that case, the driver reportedly absconded after realising the gravity of the accident.
