The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Sunday said its officials arrested a hit-and-run truck driver shortly after he rammed into a cart pusher on the main carriageway inward Ketu Market.
Eye witness account confirmed that the tragic incident occurred in the early hour on Sunday around Mile 12 market inward Ketu along Ikorodu Expressway in Lagos.
It was gathered that the driver of the 16-tyre articulated truck with registration number ‘DAF’ (LSR 901 XV) lost control while on top speed due to a brake failure and rammed into a cart pusher on the main carriageway inward Ketu market.
A statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the arrest of the truck driver by its officials.
“The accident happened between a 16-tyre articulated truck ‘DAF’ (LSR 901 XV) and a scavenger pushing a wheelbarrow on the main carriageway by Mile 12 market inward Ketu along Ikorodu Expressway, Lagos.
“Immediately the tragic event struck, the scavenger was rescued alive by LASTMA officers but, later died while rushing him to a nearby hospital for medical treatment by security personnel.”
Taofiq, while announcing the death of the accident victim disclosed that some assailants in the area trooped out in an attempt to kill the truck driver but he was rescued by security agents.
“Upon information on the death of the scavenger, some miscreants and hoodlums trooped out to attack the truck driver but, he was rescued to Ketu Police Divisional Headquarters by Lastma officials with the support of security personnel.”
Meanwhile, the General Manager of LASTMA, Bakare-Oki Olalekan, has urged market leaders to involve their members in a sensitization campaign on the harmful effects of using wheelbarrows to convey goods or food items on highways across the state.
He, however, issued warnings to truck drivers to avoid over-speeding while ensuring that their trucks are in good condition before embarking on any journey within or outside the state.