An unidentified street sweeper lost her life on Saturday after being crushed by a bus along Meiran Road, Lagos State. The tragic incident occurred less than three days after two people were killed and three others injured at Meiran Bus Stop along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway.
The bus driver involved attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by residents who witnessed the accident.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the fatality in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq.
According to Taofiq, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) announces with profound grief a devastating and fatal road traffic incident that occurred earlier today along Meiran Road, inward the Iyana Ekoro axis of Lagos, resulting in the untimely death of a female operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), who was conscientiously engaged in her lawful environmental sanitation duties.”
Preliminary findings revealed that the incident involved a blue Ford bus, laden with bottled and canned beverages, with registration number BDG 495 YH, which was recklessly and unlawfully reversing on the expressway.
“In the course of this grossly negligent manoeuvre, the vehicle rammed into the unsuspecting LAWMA sweeper who was carrying out routine roadside cleaning. The severe impact proved instantly fatal,” he added.
LASTMA officers on traffic surveillance at the Meiran axis quickly mobilised to the scene after receiving reports. They pursued and apprehended the driver, preventing potential mob action by angry residents, and handed him over to Meiran Police Division for further investigation and prosecution.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the avoidable loss, describing the incident as both distressing and preventable.
The remains of the deceased were evacuated by LAWMA officials for further necessary procedures.
