The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has confirmed the arrest of an unidentified driver who fatally struck a female pedestrian on Sunday at the Mosalasi Roundabout, along the Ipaja axis of Lagos.
The tragic incident involved a black Toyota Tundra with the registration number FST 222 HV, which veered onto a pedestrian walkway and hit a yet-to-be-identified woman.
According to a statement released by LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq on Sunday, the crash was a lone incident caused by excessive speeding.
“In a most harrowing and unfortunate incident, a lone vehicular crash involving a black Toyota Tundra bearing registration number FST 222 HV tragically claimed the life of an innocent female pedestrian earlier today at the Mosalasi Roundabout, situated along New Ipaja Road in the Ipaja axis of Lagos State.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle, travelling at an egregiously excessive speed, veered uncontrollably off the carriageway, mounted the pedestrian walkway, and fatally struck a woman who died instantly from the impact,” the statement reads.
Taofiq further stated that after hitting the pedestrian, the vehicle continued its path of destruction by crashing into a nearby livestock compound, damaging its perimeter fence and a nearby billboard.
It was said that the driver attempted to escape after realising the severity of the incident.
However, he was quickly apprehended by LASTMA officers and handed over to police operatives.
“The momentum of the vehicle subsequently propelled it into a nearby private premises known to be engaged in the sale of livestock, where it inflicted significant structural damage to the perimeter fence and an adjoining advertising billboard
“Eyewitnesses at the scene report that the driver, upon realising the gravity of the calamity he had caused, made a frantic attempt to flee the scene.
“However, thanks to the prompt, coordinated and courageous intervention of officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the suspect was swiftly apprehended and restrained.
“In accordance with protocol, LASTMA operatives handed the driver over to security personnel from the Gowon Estate Command, who were present at the site of the incident,” the statement added.
Taofiq said the remains of the deceased were handed over to the police for proper procedures.
He also stated that the driver is now in police custody and undergoing intense interrogation as part of an ongoing investigation.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the victim’s family.
“This is a deeply sorrowful occurrence that underscores the grave consequences of reckless driving.
“We mourn with the family of the deceased and pray earnestly that the Almighty grants them the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement reads.