LASTMA nabs driver attempting to escape after killing pedestrian 

Ebun Emmanuel – October 19, 2025

The driver of an empty Mercedes Benz truck with number plate, KRD 466 XJ, lost control  and killed a pedestrian at the weekend in Ikoyi, Lagos.

It was learnt that the vehicle suffered brake failure while in motion at high speed and subsequently killed the victim.

The fatal incident was said to have occurred along Simpson Street, inward Ikoyi, on Osborne Expressway by the Traffic Light Junction.

Witnesses said that the driver, in a frantic effort to avert a collision with vehicles ahead, lost control of the vehicle and, in the ensuing chaos, rammed into a pedestrian walking along the roadside instantly killing the victim.

The spokesperson of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), said LASTMA officers apprehended the driver who tried to escape from the scene.

He added that they “professionally secured the accident scene to forestall further mishaps and ensure the seamless flow of vehicular movement within the area.”

He added, “The driver of the ill-fated truck was handed over to security operatives from the Dolphin Estate and Ikoyi Police Divisions for further interrogation and necessary legal procedures.

“The remains of the deceased pedestrian were respectfully evacuated from the accident scene by police officers and conveyed to a mortuary in Ebute Metta, pending formal identification by the victim’s family.

“The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, describing the incident as both tragic and entirely preventable.

“He emphasized that the unfortunate accident underscores the imperative of routine vehicular inspection and maintenance, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles and articulated trucks operating within Lagos and beyond.

“Mr. Bakare-Oki earnestly admonished all motorists especially truck drivers and fleet operators to conduct mechanical evaluations of their vehicles, with particular emphasis on the braking system, before embarking on any journey, whether within or outside the state.”

“He further lamented that mechanical negligence and poor vehicle maintenance culture remain among the primary causes of avoidable road traffic fatalities across the metropolis.”