A yet-to-be identified revenue collector with a transport union has been crushed to death while attempting to collect dues from a driver of an articulated vehicle (containerized truck) on the Lagos axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The victim is believed to have been on an illegal duty.
The General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed this through a statement on Sunday by Mr. Taofiq Adebayo, the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department.
The statement added that the driver of the articulated vehicle marked FST 887 XD fled the scene of the accident.
“The tragic event resulted in immediate death of a revenue collector who was attempting to collect dues from the truck driver.
“The victim was fatally struck while crossing the expressway, succumbing instantly to the severe impact.
“Personnel from LASTMA swiftly responded to the scene, taking decisive actions to manage the aftermath of the incident.
“The remains of the deceased were respectfully handed over to officers from the Adigboluje Police Division, who are coordinating with the family to facilitate the necessary formalities,” he said.
He said that LASTMA officers promptly removed the articulated vehicle, which had caused significant traffic congestion, and handed it over to the police for a comprehensive investigation.
Bakare-Oki sympathised with the bereaved family, expressing regret over the tragic incident.
He urged transport unions to educate their members on safe methods of collecting dues, especially in high-risk areas such as expressways.
“LASTMA remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of road users and alleviating traffic disruptions across Lagos.
“The agency assures the public of its continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and to implement strategies aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future,” he said.
– NAN