Cyclist dies in Lagos crash after distracted phone call

DDM News

A tragic incident occurred on Sunday in the Ikeja area of Lagos State, resulting in the death of a cyclist after a collision with a truck.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that the accident took place along the busy Obafemi Awolowo Way, near Alausa Bus Stop, as the cyclist attempted to connect to Radio Road.

According to the spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, the cyclist lost control while maneuvering through the area.

The cause of the crash was linked to a lapse in concentration, which was reportedly due to the cyclist being on a phone call at the time.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the cyclist was using an earpiece to speak on the phone, and this distraction may have caused him to fail to notice the approaching truck.

The incident occurred as the cyclist attempted to move from Kudirat Abiola Way towards the intersection with Obafemi Awolowo Way.

While maneuvering, he collided with a moving truck, and the impact threw him violently onto the pavement.

He struck his head against the road, leading to fatal injuries that resulted in his immediate death.

LASTMA officials, upon arriving at the scene, worked quickly to secure the area and prevent further accidents.

They ensured that traffic flow was maintained while safeguarding the safety of other road users in the area.

Police officers from the Alausa Police Division were notified and responded swiftly to the scene of the accident.

The body of the deceased was removed and transported to the Ikeja General Hospital morgue for further processing.

LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.

He extended his condolences to the grieving family of the deceased, offering support during their difficult time.

Bakare-Oki also issued a public statement urging all road users, particularly cyclists, to prioritize safety.

He emphasized that cyclists should always remain fully alert and avoid distractions, especially when navigating busy expressways like Obafemi Awolowo Way.

He said, “Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased during this profoundly difficult time. We earnestly urge all cyclists to prioritize their safety and that of fellow road users by remaining fully alert and suitably equipped at all times while traversing public roads.”

This tragic accident highlights the growing issue of distracted driving and cycling on the roads of Lagos.

Many cyclists and motorists often underestimate the risks posed by distractions such as phone calls, which can lead to devastating consequences.

In this case, a momentary lapse in attention cost a life, underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant at all times while on the road.

Lagos, known for its heavy traffic congestion, has witnessed numerous road accidents over the years, many of which are linked to distractions or reckless driving.

In another related incident, PUNCH Online reported that the driver of an articulated truck in the Agege area sustained severe injuries after the vehicle plunged off the Pen Cinema Bridge.

The truck caused significant damage to two commercial buses that had been parked nearby, further highlighting the hazards on the city’s roads.

These incidents serve as reminders of the constant need for road safety awareness and the importance of taking proper precautions while on the road.

As traffic accidents continue to rise in Lagos, it is essential for both cyclists and motorists to adopt a more cautious and responsible approach to their journeys.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook