Another dispatch rider killed in Lagos accident

Less than twenty-four hours after a dispatch rider was crushed to death by a tanker in Lagos State, another rider was on Tuesday killed on Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway by a truck.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Tuesday confirmed the Otedola Bridge incident.

The agency, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, said: “The fatal crash involved a heavy-duty Volvo truck and a dispatch rider.

“The devastating impact resulted in the immediate loss of the rider’s life at the scene, further accentuating the growing concerns surrounding the vulnerability of dispatch riders on major highways.”

Adebayo added that “LASTMA operatives on routine patrol around Otedola Bridge swiftly responded to the accident scene, where they promptly secured and cordoned off the area to forestall any secondary incidents, particularly given the high vehicular density along the corridor.”

The remains of the deceased dispatch rider were respectfully handed over to officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who were present at the scene in support of traffic management operations.

Security reinforcement was also provided by policemen from the Alausa Police Station to ensure orderliness throughout the rescue and evacuation process.

Subsequently, the articulated truck and the dispatch motorcycle were expeditiously removed by a tow truck, thereby facilitating the restoration of normal traffic flow.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed profound condolences to the bereaved family and associates of the deceased, acknowledging the magnitude of the loss and the distressing circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

He further emphasised the urgent need for heightened vigilance, strict compliance with traffic regulations, and an enhanced culture of safety among all categories of road users, particularly operators of articulated vehicles and dispatch riders.

According to him, “LASTMA remains resolute in its commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders in intensifying advocacy initiatives aimed at reducing road fatalities and fostering a sustainable culture of road safety across Lagos State.”