By CHIAZO OGBOLU

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has expressed deep sorrow over a tragic road accident at Ilubirin inward Simpson, Lagos Island, that claimed the lives of a police officer and a scavenger.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

“Preliminary security investigations revealed that the driver of a Toyota Camry vehicle (MUS 885 JA), while speeding, lost control and veered out of his lane, forcefully striking both a scavenger and a police officer who was riding a motorcycle.

“The impact resulted in their immediate and irreversible loss of life,” he said.

He noted that LASTMA personnel stationed around the Ilubirin axis swiftly intervened, cordoning off the accident site to ensure safety and prevent further incidents.

He added that, during their response, officers apprehended the driver, who had attempted to flee the scene, and promptly handed him over to security officials from the Adeniji Adele Police Division for further investigation and prosecution.

“The vehicle involved in the accident was evacuated by LASTMA operatives to prevent secondary accidents and restore normal traffic flow in the corridor,” he said.

Bakare-Oki, who visited the accident scene in a sober and reflective mood, expressed deep sympathy to the families, colleagues, and communities affected by the tragic incident.

The LASTMA manager lamented the needless loss of lives and described the incident as a painful reminder of the consequences of reckless driving.

He urged motorists to adhere strictly to government-approved speed limits and maintain the highest standards of road discipline.

Bakare-Oki stated that speed violations remain one of the leading causes of avoidable road fatalities.

He reaffirmed LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to continuous public education on road safety, urging all road users, especially drivers, to adopt safer driving habits to prevent future tragedies. (NAN)