Tragedy on Meran Road as LAWMA Sweeper Killed by Reckless Bus Driver
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the death of a Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) operative following a fatal road traffic incident along Meran Road, inward Iyana Ekoro axis of Lagos.
In a statement released on Saturday via the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, LASTMA disclosed that the victim, a female LAWMA sweeper, was knocked down while lawfully carrying out her environmental sanitation duties.
The statement, signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, explained that the operative was struck by a blue Ford commercial bus with registration number BDG 495 YH, which was said to be “recklessly and unlawfully reversing on the expressway.”
According to LASTMA, the bus forcefully rammed into the unsuspecting LAWMA worker who was engaged in routine roadside cleaning. The impact, particularly to the head region, was described as severe and instantly fatal.
LASTMA officers on active traffic surveillance reportedly mobilised swiftly to the scene upon receiving a distress alert. However, the driver of the commercial bus fled the scene in an attempt to evade responsibility.
“The driver had absconded from the crash site in a desperate attempt to evade accountability. Officers immediately pursued the fleeing vehicle, successfully apprehended the driver and escorted him and his vehicle back to the scene of the incident,” the statement said.
The agency further revealed that the suspect and the vehicle were subsequently handed over to officers of the Meiran Police Division for thorough investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws.
LASTMA noted that the prompt intervention of its officials also prevented a possible breakdown of law and order, as the suspect was at risk of mob action from angry members of the public.
Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased were respectfully evacuated from the scene by LAWMA officials using an official LAWMA vehicle for necessary procedures.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced daily by sanitation workers on Lagos roads and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to protect vulnerable road users. Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor developments and hold relevant authorities accountable in the pursuit of safer roads across the state.