By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
A yet-to-be-identified staff member of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) was tragically killed on Saturday after being knocked down by a commercial bus along Meiran Road in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The deceased, a female waste management operative, was said to be carrying out her official duties when a blue Ford commercial bus, reportedly conveying bottles and canned beverages, reversed on the expressway and fatally struck her.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the bus, bearing registration number BDG 495 YH, was being manoeuvred carelessly, with the driver allegedly failing to notice the LAWMA worker engaged in routine cleaning activities.
The impact of the collision proved fatal, resulting in her instant death.
Confirming the incident, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said prompt intervention by traffic officers led to the arrest of the driver and the recovery of the victim’s body.
According to him, LASTMA officers on active traffic surveillance around the Meiran axis swiftly responded after receiving a distress call.
He noted that the driver initially fled the scene in an attempt to evade responsibility but was pursued and apprehended by the officers.
“Demonstrating exceptional alertness and professionalism, the officers immediately pursued the fleeing vehicle, successfully apprehended the driver and escorted him, along with the vehicle, back to the scene,” Bakare-Oki stated.
He added 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.
Bakare-Oki further revealed that the swift action of security personnel prevented a possible breakdown of public order, as the suspect was close to being attacked by an aggrieved crowd.
The remains of the deceased LAWMA staff member were later evacuated from the scene by LAWMA officials using an official vehicle, pending further necessary procedures.
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the LASTMA boss described the death as tragic, distressing and entirely avoidable.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased, praying that God grants them the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
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