Female sweeper killed on Lagos road

A female operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has lost her life after being knocked down by a commercial bus driver who was reversing on an expressway along Meran Road, inward Iyana Ekoro axis of Lagos.

The fatal incident occurred on Saturday while the victim was carrying out routine roadside sanitation duties.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, the accident involved a blue Ford commercial bus loaded with bottled and canned beverages and bearing registration number BDG 495 YH.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver was unlawfully reversing on the expressway when the vehicle rammed into the unsuspecting road sweeper. The impact reportedly caused fatal head injuries, leading to her immediate death.

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LASTMA officers on routine traffic surveillance in the Meiran area were alerted and promptly arrived at the scene. The statement noted that the driver fled immediately after the crash in an attempt to evade arrest.

However, LASTMA officials pursued and apprehended the suspect, escorting him and the vehicle back to the scene. The driver was later handed over to officers of the Meiran Police Division for further investigation and prosecution.

The swift intervention of security personnel reportedly prevented a breakdown of public order, as angry residents attempted to assault the suspect.

The remains of the deceased were evacuated 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 and preventable,” condemning the act of reversing on an expressway, which he said violates the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

Bakare-Oki cautioned motorists against reckless driving practices and extended condolences to the family, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased. He also commended LASTMA officers for their swift response and professionalism in apprehending the suspect.