Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have arrested a tanker driver who allegedly fled after knocking down and killing a commercial delivery motorcycle rider in the Ikeja area of Lagos.

The fatal accident occurred along Kodesho Road, opposite Mrs Filling Station, inward Awolowo Way/Oba Akran, when the fully loaded tanker, carrying 33 litres of groundnut oil, reportedly struck and crushed the rider.

According to LASTMA, the victim died instantly, while the tanker driver attempted to escape without rendering assistance or reporting the incident to the authorities.

The agency in a statement by its Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, said its officers immediately launched a pursuit after receiving a distress alert and successfully intercepted the vehicle before apprehending the driver.

The suspect and the tanker have since been handed over to the State Traffic Department (STD) of the Area F Police Command, Ikeja, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

LASTMA officials also secured the accident scene and managed traffic to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles while emergency response operations were carried out.

The deceased’s colleagues, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, notified his family and expressed grief over the loss.

Reacting to the tragedy, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as heartbreaking and avoidable.

He urged operators of articulated vehicles and other heavy-duty trucks to obey traffic regulations, warning that reckless driving and fleeing accident scenes are serious offences that would be met with the full weight of the law.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to working with the Nigeria Police Force and other emergency agencies to improve road safety and ensure prompt response to traffic emergencies across Lagos State.