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A pedestrian was fatally struck by a lorry while attempting to cross the busy Ojota Expressway in Lagos, bypassing the designated pedestrian bridge.
The unidentified individual was knocked down while unlawfully crossing the main carriageway, according to a statement issued by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Sunday.
Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, said initial investigations showed the lorry driver tried to flee the scene after the collision but lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a Toyota Corolla (registration number LND 905 HN).
“The Lagos State Government has invested substantially in pedestrian bridges, and it is essential for all road users to utilise them responsibly,” said LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki.
LASTMA officers swiftly apprehended the fleeing driver and secured both him and the lorry. They were handed over to the Ogudu Police Division for further investigation.
The deceased’s remains were transferred to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) in accordance with official procedures.
Describing the incident as “tragic and entirely avoidable”, Mr Bakare-Oki expressed his condolences to the victim’s family. He stressed that the pedestrian bridges are there to protect lives and that bypassing them is both illegal and dangerous.
“It is reckless and unlawful to ignore the infrastructure provided for pedestrian safety,” he warned, adding that such behaviour endangers not only the individual but other road users as well.
He urged Lagos residents to demonstrate greater caution and adherence to road safety measures to prevent further loss of life.
