David Oladimeji
In a devastating turn of events earlier today, a female operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) lost her life along Meran Road, heading toward the Iyana Ekoro axis, while performing her environmental sanitation duties.
The incident sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by sanitation workers on busy Lagos roads.
Eyewitnesses reported that a blue Ford commercial bus, loaded with bottled and canned beverages (BDG 495 YH), was reversing recklessly on the expressway when the tragic collision occurred.
The LAWMA operative, who was conscientiously carrying out routine roadside cleaning, was struck violently. The impact, concentrated around her head, proved instantly fatal.
LASTMA officers on active duty nearby were alerted immediately and rushed to the scene, where they discovered that the driver had fled in a desperate bid to escape accountability.
Demonstrating exceptional vigilance and professionalism, the officers pursued the fleeing vehicle, successfully apprehending the driver and escorting him back to the scene.
The driver and the commercial bus were handed over to the Meiran Police Division for a full investigation and prosecution under applicable traffic and criminal laws.
Onlookers at the scene reportedly became agitated, with tensions rising as the severity of the incident became apparent. The swift intervention of LASTMA officers prevented the situation from escalating further.
LAWMA officials later evacuated the deceased using an official vehicle, ensuring that proper procedures were observed in handling the remains.
Speaking on the tragic incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of an innocent life, describing the occurrence as both distressing and preventable.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the fallen operative, praying for divine strength to bear the irreplaceable loss.
Bakare-Oki condemned the dangerous act of reversing on an expressway, calling it a serious traffic offence and a clear violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
He warned motorists against engaging in reckless and unlawful driving practices, which continue to result in unnecessary fatalities and public grief.
The General Manager praised the courage and prompt action of LASTMA officers for ensuring the apprehension of the suspect and maintaining law and order at the scene.
Finally, LASTMA reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to enforcing traffic laws, promoting road safety, and protecting lives across Lagos, underscoring the critical importance of vigilance and responsibility on the roads.
