A fatal road accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at Shangotedo inward Eleko along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, claiming the life of a truck driver after a speeding vehicle struck him and fled the scene.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the incident involved a fully laden 40-foot containerised truck with registration number T-7740-LA, which reportedly lost balance and overturned along the busy corridor.

Preliminary findings revealed that LASTMA’s 24-hour Night Gang, which was monitoring traffic flow in the area, responded promptly after receiving distress alerts and immediately secured the scene to prevent secondary accidents and safeguard other road users.

According to the agency, the truck driver survived the initial crash and attempted to place a “C” caution sign on the road to warn approaching motorists when a speeding vehicle hit him. The driver of the vehicle reportedly fled without stopping to render assistance.

The impact was fatal, resulting in the instant death of the truck driver.

LASTMA officials evacuated the victim from the road and handed over his remains to officers of the Elemoro Police Station, who arrived following an emergency alert. An investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend the hit-and-run driver.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who visited the scene, described the incident as a painful and avoidable loss. He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations.

Bakare-Oki warned against excessive speeding and disregard for warning signs, noting that such actions remain major causes of road fatalities in the state.

LASTMA reaffirms its unwavering resolve to enforce road safety regulations and passionately appeals to all motorists to uphold patience, vigilance and reverence for human life, especially during emergency situations on the highways. (THE NATION)