Motorcyclist killed in Ikorodu crash after losing brake control

DDM News

A tragic accident in Lagos has claimed the life of a commercial motorcyclist in the early hours of Sunday.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the incident occurred along the Ikorodu axis of Lagos State, where the rider reportedly lost control and rammed into a moving truck.

Witnesses said the deceased was riding at high speed when his motorcycle suffered a sudden brake failure.

As a result, the uncontrolled bike crashed directly into the rear of a flour-laden truck, killing him instantly.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq.

According to him, LASTMA officials were the first emergency responders to arrive at the scene of the fatal crash.

He said the officials managed the traffic situation promptly while securing the accident site.

During their operation, it was discovered that the truck driver had fled the scene immediately after the crash occurred.

LASTMA officers pursued and apprehended the fleeing driver not far from the scene.

He was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Shagamu Road Division in Ikorodu.

Police authorities are expected to investigate the matter and determine if any charges will be filed against the driver.

The mangled remains of the motorcyclist were found trapped under the truck.

With support from bystanders, LASTMA officials carefully extricated the deceased’s body from beneath the heavy vehicle.

His remains were handed over to family members who rushed to the location after being informed by fellow commercial motorcyclists.

In a press statement, Mr. Adebayo described the incident as painful and preventable.

He urged motorcycle riders to be more vigilant and to conduct regular mechanical checks on their bikes.

“The mangled remains of the deceased motorcyclist were tragically found trapped beneath the truck,” he said.

“LASTMA officials evacuated the corpse and handed it over to his family members who arrived after receiving distress calls.”

Reacting to the tragedy, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family.

He described the death as a regrettable loss caused by mechanical negligence.

Bakare-Oki also emphasized the importance of motorcycle maintenance, especially with regard to brake systems.

He said it is crucial for all riders to treat the safety of their passengers and themselves with utmost seriousness.

He advised all commercial riders to adhere strictly to state laws regulating their activities, especially on restricted routes.

According to him, many roads, corridors, and bridges in Lagos are off-limits to commercial motorcycles for safety reasons.

He called on the leadership of motorcycle unions across Lagos to intensify education among their members.

He urged them to promote a culture of safety and enforce compliance with traffic laws.

“It is of utmost urgency that operators of commercial motorcycles assume greater responsibility,” he said.

“They must subject their bikes to routine mechanical checks, especially essential components such as brakes.”

Bakare-Oki said such avoidable incidents underscore the need for stricter oversight within the commercial transport sector.

He added that LASTMA will continue to collaborate with law enforcement and relevant unions to curb such accidents.

The Lagos State Government has in recent years imposed several restrictions on commercial motorcycles in certain areas.

These restrictions were designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and protect commuters.

Despite enforcement efforts, many operators still ply restricted routes or fail to maintain their motorcycles properly.

Safety experts believe that public awareness, tougher enforcement, and rider retraining programs could help reduce fatalities.

Motorcycle accidents remain a significant public safety concern in Lagos and other Nigerian cities.

Many of these accidents are linked to speeding, mechanical failure, and disregard for traffic regulations.

The latest incident adds to a growing number of similar tragedies involving commercial motorcyclists in the state.

The deceased’s identity has not yet been officially disclosed by authorities.

It is unclear whether he was affiliated with any registered motorcycle union or operating independently.

The truck involved in the accident was later moved to a secure location by traffic officers to ease road congestion.

Police investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances that led to the fatal crash.

Family members of the deceased have been urged to cooperate with authorities as the legal process unfolds.

Local residents in Ikorodu have called on the government to improve enforcement and safety awareness among riders.

They say similar incidents have occurred in the area due to reckless driving and lack of proper bike maintenance.

Some have also suggested the introduction of more road safety checkpoints along accident-prone routes.

Community members are mourning the death of the motorcyclist and urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent a repeat.

Motorcycle transportation remains a major means of mobility for many Lagos residents, especially in traffic-choked areas.

However, with the rising toll of casualties, stakeholders believe it’s time for a more coordinated and safety-driven approach.

As the victim’s family prepares for burial, the accident serves as another grim reminder of the risks on Nigerian roads.

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