A dispatch rider lost his life on Thursday after being crushed by a moving train at the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja, Lagos State.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of the day, according to a statement by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Taofiq explained that the dispatch rider, who was riding a motorcycle with number plate AGL 179 QR, was killed while attempting to cross the railway line in haste.
“Preliminary investigations conducted by security personnel at the scene revealed that the dispatch rider, reportedly travelling at excessive speed, attempted to hastily manoeuvre across the railway track in a bid to access the GRA area of Ikeja.
“In the process, he collided with an oncoming train. The impact proved fatal, as the rider died instantly, while the train continued its movement along the track,” he said.
The LASTMA spokesperson added that the deceased’s body was handed over to health officers from the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) for evacuation.
“As the first responders, LASTMA personnel promptly cordoned off the scene of the incident to prevent secondary mishaps and ensure the free flow of vehicular movement within the area, with support from security personnel from the Shogunle Police Division,” Taofiq added.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commiserated with the deceased’s family and urged motorists to always obey traffic regulations, particularly at railway crossings.
He stressed the importance of compliance with traffic signals and warning signs to prevent avoidable tragedies.
“The General Manager further reaffirmed LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to continuous public enlightenment, proactive enforcement, and safety advocacy in its mission to ensure sanity, discipline, and orderliness across the Lagos metropolis,” Taofiq stated.
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