A cyclist lost his life on Monday after being crushed by a DAF articulated truck beneath the LASUTH Bridge at the Airport Road traffic signal corridor in Ikeja, Lagos.
Eyewitnesses reported that both the cyclist and the heavy-duty truck were moving from the Maryland axis when they attempted to navigate the roundabout simultaneously. In the process, the cyclist failed to maintain a safe distance and was tragically run over.
Officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who were actively monitoring traffic, responded immediately. Their swift intervention led to the arrest of the truck driver, who had tried to flee the scene. The suspect was handed over to Ikeja Police Division for further investigation and prosecution in line with the law.
To prevent further accidents and restore normal traffic flow, officials from the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SHEMU) promptly removed the cyclist’s remains from the carriageway.
Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the victim’s family. He also issued a stern warning to cyclists and commercial motorbike riders to prioritize safety and adhere strictly to traffic regulations.
Giwa emphasized that cyclists should avoid highways, expressways, and other high-risk routes. He highlighted ongoing government initiatives aimed at educating vulnerable road users through public jingles and documentaries, stressing that non-motorized users, including skateboard riders, should also confine their movements to safer inner roads.
“The Lagos State Government remains committed to strict road safety enforcement and public education to protect all road users. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians must act responsibly and follow traffic laws to prevent avoidable tragedies,” Giwa said.
