A tragic road accident on Meran Road, along the Iyana Ekoro corridor of Lagos, has claimed the life of a female operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has again drawn attention to the dangers faced by sanitation workers and the growing problem of reckless driving on Lagos roads.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement released through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The statement was signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Mr Adebayo Taofiq.
According to LASTMA, the deceased LAWMA operative was on duty, carrying out routine environmental sanitation work, when she was struck by a commercial bus that was reversing dangerously on the expressway.
The vehicle involved in the accident was identified as a blue Ford commercial bus with registration number BDG 495 YH. LASTMA said the bus driver was allegedly reversing illegally on the busy expressway when the tragic incident occurred.
“The vehicle suddenly rammed into the unsuspecting LAWMA sweeper who was engaged in roadside cleaning. The impact, particularly to her head, was severe and resulted in her immediate death,” the statement said.
Eyewitnesses at the scene said the incident happened suddenly, leaving little or no time for the victim to escape. The area, which is often busy with vehicles and pedestrians, was thrown into confusion as people gathered after the accident.
Some residents and road users described the scene as heartbreaking, noting that the woman was simply doing her job to keep the environment clean when her life was cut short.
LASTMA disclosed that its officers, who were already on traffic monitoring duty in the area, responded quickly after receiving information about the crash. Their swift response, the agency said, helped to prevent further chaos.
According to the statement, the driver of the bus attempted to flee the scene immediately after hitting the LAWMA operative. However, LASTMA officers pursued him and successfully apprehended him.
“The driver fled the scene in an apparent attempt to evade responsibility. However, LASTMA officers pursued and apprehended him, returning both the suspect and the vehicle to the scene,” the agency stated.
The arrested driver, along with the bus involved in the accident, was later handed over to officers of the Meiran Police Division. The police are expected to carry out further investigation and ensure that the driver is prosecuted according to the law.
LASTMA also noted that the quick action of its officers helped to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order. The statement revealed that the driver narrowly escaped being attacked by an angry crowd before security officers intervened.
“The presence and professionalism of LASTMA officers helped to calm the situation and prevent mob action,” the agency said.
After the scene was secured, officials of LAWMA evacuated the body of the deceased using an official vehicle. This was done to allow for necessary procedures, including documentation and arrangements for the family.
The identity of the deceased was not immediately released, but colleagues described her as a hardworking and dedicated staff member who was committed to her duties.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the death as tragic, painful, and avoidable. He expressed deep sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased LAWMA operative.
“This is a very sad and unfortunate incident. We sympathise deeply with the family and loved ones of the deceased. We pray that God grants them the strength to bear this great loss,” Bakare-Oki said.
He strongly condemned the act of reversing on an expressway, describing it as a serious traffic offence and a clear violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
According to him, reversing on high-speed roads such as expressways poses great danger to pedestrians, road workers, and other motorists.
“Reversing on an expressway is illegal and extremely dangerous. It shows a lack of regard for human life and the law,” he said.
Bakare-Oki warned motorists against reckless and unlawful driving habits, stressing that such actions continue to lead to needless loss of lives across the state.
He said LASTMA would continue to enforce traffic laws strictly to ensure the safety of all road users, including sanitation workers who are often exposed to danger while carrying out their duties.
The LASTMA boss also praised the officers involved in the incident for their professionalism and quick response. He said their actions ensured that the suspect did not escape and would face justice.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by LAWMA workers, who are often seen cleaning major roads and highways in Lagos, sometimes under very dangerous conditions.
LAWMA operatives play a key role in maintaining cleanliness and environmental health in Lagos, Africa’s most populous city. They work early in the morning and late at night, often alongside busy roads, to keep the city clean.
Over the years, there have been several reports of LAWMA workers being injured or killed by vehicles, mostly due to reckless driving, speeding, or disobedience to traffic rules.
Road safety advocates have repeatedly called for better protection for sanitation workers, including clearer road signs, reflective clothing, and stronger enforcement of traffic laws around work zones.
Lagos State has made efforts to improve road safety through agencies like LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Lagos State Safety Commission. However, challenges remain, especially with commercial drivers who often ignore traffic rules.
The Lagos State Government has also continued to warn drivers against dangerous practices such as driving against traffic, illegal parking, speeding, and reversing on major roads.
Saturday’s incident adds to the growing list of road accidents in Lagos and serves as a reminder of the consequences of careless driving.
Residents of the Iyana Ekoro area have called on authorities to increase patrols and monitoring on Meiran Road, which they say has become a hotspot for traffic violations.
Some residents also appealed to drivers to be more patient and cautious, especially in areas where government workers are carrying out their duties.
As investigations continue, many hope that justice will be served and that the tragic death of the LAWMA operative will not be in vain.
