The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested the driver of a Mercedes Benz truck that crushed a pedestrian to death following a brake failure along Osborne Road in the Ikoyi area of Lagos.
In a detailed statement released on Sunday by LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, the tragic incident occurred along Simpson Street, inward Ikoyi, close to the Osborne Expressway traffic light junction.
According to the statement, the truck, identified with registration number KRD 466 XJ, was reportedly travelling at a high speed when it suddenly developed a mechanical fault, causing the driver to lose control.
“In a frantic effort to avert a collision with vehicles ahead, the driver rammed into a pedestrian walking by the roadside, instantly killing the victim,” Taofiq said in the statement.
LASTMA officers stationed nearby were said to have responded swiftly to the emergency. They secured the accident scene, prevented further chaos, and ensured free vehicular movement within the area before the arrival of other security operatives.
The driver of the ill-fated truck was immediately apprehended by the traffic officers and handed over to security personnel attached to the Dolphin Estate and Ikoyi Police Divisions for further questioning and legal processing.
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Confirming the arrest, Taofiq added that the remains of the deceased were later evacuated by police officers to a mortuary in Ebute Metta pending identification by relatives.
He stated, “The driver of the ill-fated truck was swiftly apprehended by LASTMA personnel and subsequently handed over to security operatives from the Dolphin Estate and Ikoyi Police Divisions for further interrogation and necessary legal procedures.
“The remains of the deceased pedestrian were respectfully evacuated from the accident scene by police officers and conveyed to a mortuary in Ebute Metta, pending formal identification by the victim’s family.”
Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted the horrifying moment the truck lost control, describing how pedestrians and motorists scampered for safety as the vehicle veered off its lane. The victim, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, was said to have been walking on the sidewalk when the speeding truck rammed into him.
Traffic in the area was temporarily disrupted as passersby gathered around the scene in shock. LASTMA officials, however, quickly cleared the wreckage to restore order and prevent a gridlock on Osborne Road.
Reacting to the unfortunate development, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the accident as “tragic and entirely preventable,” lamenting that such incidents continue to occur due to negligence on the part of truck drivers and fleet operators.
“This unfortunate incident underscores the importance of routine vehicle maintenance, especially for heavy-duty trucks operating within Lagos and beyond,” Bakare-Oki said.
He further stressed that drivers and logistics companies have a responsibility to ensure that all vehicles are in good working condition before hitting the road.
According to him, “Truck drivers and fleet operators must make it a habit to conduct mechanical checks before setting out on any trip, particularly focusing on the braking system. Many of these avoidable crashes occur because drivers ignore simple maintenance checks.”
The LASTMA boss reiterated that the agency remains committed to ensuring road safety across Lagos through constant surveillance, enforcement, and public education. He warned drivers, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles, against reckless driving, over-speeding, and poor vehicle maintenance.
“LASTMA arresting the driver in this case is not just about enforcing the law but also about sending a strong message that negligence will not be tolerated on Lagos roads,” Bakare-Oki added. “We will continue to intensify our efforts to prevent such needless loss of lives caused by mechanical failure and human error.”
He also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, urging Lagos residents to always be cautious when walking along major roads, especially where trucks and other large vehicles frequently pass.
The incident adds to the growing number of accidents involving heavy-duty trucks in Lagos, a development that has continued to raise safety concerns among residents and authorities alike.
In recent years, the Lagos State government has intensified efforts to regulate the movement of articulated vehicles within the metropolis, including enforcing restricted hours for their operations and imposing stricter maintenance requirements.
Despite these measures, authorities say poor compliance and negligence among some operators remain a major challenge.
The tragic Ikoyi crash serves as another grim reminder of the need for accountability and strict adherence to safety standards by all road users. LASTMA, on its part, has vowed to continue arresting erring drivers and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to bring offenders to justice.
As investigations continue, the arrested truck driver is expected to face charges related to reckless driving and manslaughter once police conclude their inquiry.
The LASTMA has assured the public that it will sustain its “zero-tolerance” approach to traffic violations while prioritizing the safety of lives and property on Lagos roads.