Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) today, February 3, apprehended an articulated truck driver after crushing a scavenger pushing a wheelbarrow to death around Mile 12 market, Ikorodu Road, Lagos.
The Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA Mr Adebayo Taofiq confirmed that 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.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of an articulated truck lost control while on top speed due to a brake failure and rammed into a scavenger pushing a wheelbarrow on the main carriageway inward Ketu, Lagos.
Immediately after the accident, the scavenger was rescued alive by LASTMA Officers but, later died while rushing him to a nearby hospital for medical treatment by security personnel.
“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”
The General Manager of LASTMA Mr. Bakare-Oki Olalekan appealed to Market leaders to regularly carry out a safety enlightenment campaign on the danger of using wheelbarrows to convey goods or food items on highways across the State.
He however warned truck drivers to always avoid overspeeding and ensure that the braking system of their trucks are in good condition before embarking on any journey within or outside the State.
