A petrol tanker driver has been taken into custody following a fatal road accident involving a commercial motorcycle that claimed the lives of both the rider and his passenger along the Epe–Ijebu Road in Lagos State.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident on Wednesday through its spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, who disclosed that the crash occurred at Pokia Junction, inward Araga, in the Epe axis.
According to Taofiq, preliminary findings revealed that the commercial motorcyclist was riding against traffic at the time of the accident.
“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has announced the arrest of the driver of an empty Premium Motor Spirit tanker following a grievous and wholly preventable road traffic incident that culminated in the untimely demise of a commercial motorcyclist and his passenger at Pokia Junction, inward Araga, along the Epe–Ijebu Road, Epe, Lagos,” he said.
He explained that the motorcyclist, who was carrying a male passenger, was unlawfully navigating a one-way route when the tanker, allegedly moving at high speed, collided with them.
“Preliminary security findings disclosed that the commercial motorcyclist, who was conveying a male passenger, was unlawfully traversing a prohibited route (one-way) in blatant contravention of existing traffic statutes when he was struck by the empty PMS tanker, which was at high speed.
“The violent impact proved fatal, resulting in the instantaneous death of both the rider and his passenger,” Taofiq added.
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He said LASTMA officers who were close to the scene promptly intervened, apprehended the tanker driver and secured the area to prevent further accidents.
“The tanker driver was immediately taken into custody, while the affected area was decisively cordoned off to avert secondary mishaps and guarantee public safety,” he stated.
Taofiq further disclosed that the bodies of the deceased and the arrested driver were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Noforija Police Division for investigation and possible prosecution.
“Thereafter, the remains of the deceased motorcyclist and his passenger, together with the apprehended tanker driver, were formally transferred to officers of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Noforija Police Division for thorough investigation and appropriate legal action,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, expressed sympathy with the families of the victims while warning motorists against traffic violations.
“This unfortunate loss of lives was entirely avoidable. Had the motorcyclist remained within his lawful lane and observed a moderate speed, this fatal incident would not have occurred,” Giwa said.
He urged road users to obey traffic regulations, stressing that such laws are meant to protect lives.
“LASTMA implores the motoring public to regard traffic laws not as instruments of punishment, but as indispensable safeguards instituted to protect human lives and ensure harmonious coexistence on Lagos roads,” Taofiq concluded.