Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has strongly reaffirmed its appeal for caution and strict adherence with traffic and safety laws following a tragic collision between a moving train and a dispatch rider at the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja on Thursday.
The dispatch rider, whose motorbike had the registration number AGL 179 QR, attempted to cross the tracks in spite of an approaching train, according to an agency statement. The rider was tragically crushed and died instantly as a result of the incident, which occurred close to the highway that leads to Ikeja GRA.
According to witnesses, the victim disregarded the speed limits and warning lights at the level crossing in an attempt to overtake the train.
LASTMA personnel quickly responded to the scene to control traffic and block off the area after the incident. Officers from the Shogunle Police Division then joined them, and the body was removed by members of the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, or SEHMU.
Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, responded to the occurrence by offering the victim’s family his sincere condolences and characterising it as a sobering reminder of the perils of carelessness and impatience on Lagos roads.
“This unfortunate event is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of impatience and disregard for safety rules, especially at railway crossings,” Bakare-Oki said.
“We appeal to all road users to be patient, cautious, and responsible to prevent avoidable deaths,” he added.
Bakare-Oki announced intentions to increase awareness campaigns and monitoring around high-risk areas throughout the state, reiterating LASTMA’s dedication to road safety education and enforcement.
