The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the death of a cyclist following a fatal collision involving a DAF articulated truck beneath the LASUTH Bridge along the Airport Road corridor in Ikeja, Lagos.
According to preliminary findings by traffic officials, the incident occurred when both the cyclist and the heavy-duty truck, approaching from the Maryland axis, attempted to negotiate the roundabout under the bridge at about the same time. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
LASTMA stated that the cyclist reportedly failed to maintain a safe distance from the moving truck during the manoeuvre, resulting in a violent impact that crushed the cyclist. The victim was confirmed dead at the scene.
Officials of the agency who were on traffic control duty immediately intervened to prevent further disruption and apprehended the truck driver, who allegedly attempted to flee the scene to evade responsibility.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to officers of the Ikeja Police Division for investigation and possible prosecution in line with the law.
To prevent secondary accidents and restore free flow of traffic along the busy corridor, officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit were deployed to evacuate the remains of the deceased from the carriageway.
Normal traffic movement was later restored after the scene was secured.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.
He described the accident as avoidable and urged cyclists and commercial motorcyclists to prioritise safety by strictly adhering to traffic regulations.
Giwa warned against the use of highways, expressways, and other high-speed corridors by cyclists, noting that such routes significantly increase the risk of fatal accidents.
He added that the Lagos State Government has continued to intensify public sensitisation through jingles, campaigns, and documentaries to educate cyclists and other vulnerable road users on the importance of restricting their movements to inner roads.
The directive, he said, also applies to skateboard users and other non-motorised road users.
The state government, through LASTMA, reiterated its commitment to strict traffic enforcement, sustained public enlightenment, and the protection of all road users.
Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians were urged to act responsibly and comply with traffic laws to prevent avoidable tragedies on Lagos roads.