Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos, Nigeria — Tragedy struck along Meran Road, near the Iyana Ekoro axis, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, when a female operative of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) was crushed to death by a commercial bus while carrying out routine roadside sanitation duties. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) quickly intervened, pursuing and apprehending the fleeing driver who attempted to escape responsibility.
The victim, whose name has not yet been officially released, was engaged in lawful environmental sanitation work when a blue Ford commercial bus laden with bottled and canned beverages allegedly reversed recklessly on the expressway without warning. Preliminary investigations by LASTMA revealed that the driver’s unsafe manoeuvre resulted in the operative being struck and suffering fatal head injuries, which led to her instantaneous death at the scene.
LASTMA officers, already on active traffic surveillance in the Meiran area, promptly responded to the distress call and proceeded to locate the vehicle and pursue the suspect after it departed the scene in an attempt to evade arrest. The agency’s swift action led to the apprehension of the driver, who was brought back to the scene for further investigation.
The vehicle involved — a commercial bus bearing the registration number BDG 495 YH — along with the suspect driver, was handed over to officers of the Meiran Police Division to continue inquiries and ensure that appropriate charges are brought in accordance with Lagos State traffic and criminal laws.
Officials from LASTMA expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and condemned the grossly negligent driving behaviour that led to the fatal collision. In a statement, LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq emphasised that reversing on major carriageways is a serious traffic violation under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, and warned motorists against actions that endanger road users and frontline workers alike.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare‑Oki, extended heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and colleagues at LAWMA, stressing that the tragic death was “avoidable” and urging drivers across the state to adopt safer driving practices, obey traffic regulations, and respect the lives of pedestrians and workers on public roads.
The swift intervention by LASTMA officials also averted a potential breakdown of law and order, as angry bystanders reportedly attempted to lynch the suspect before traffic officers took control of the situation and secured the scene.
The remains of the deceased LAWMA operative were evacuated by LAWMA officials using an official vehicle for necessary procedures, even as investigations continue. Authorities emphasised that reckless and unlawful driving practices remain a significant threat to lives, particularly in areas with active road operations and heavy pedestrian presence.
This incident highlights persistent concerns about road safety, driver behaviour and the vulnerability of workers tasked with public sanitation and traffic management duties. As Lagos State mourns the loss of one of its civil servants, emphasis on strict enforcement of traffic laws and enhanced road user education remains paramount to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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