A fatal traffic collision over the weekend at Origan, Oko-Afo, along the Badagry Expressway, resulted in the death of a commercial tricycle operator.

The incident occurred following a head-on collision with a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC SUV allegedly driving against the flow of traffic.

The SUV, bearing the customized number plate ‘OSUNFNKE’, reportedly violated the one-way traffic directive while heading from Ile-Epo toward Oko-Afo and collided with the commercial tricycle, which had registration number MUS 716 QM.

Preliminary findings by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed that the SUV was driving on the wrong side of the road.

The collision caused severe injuries to the tricycle operator, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

LASTMA personnel arrived promptly to manage the situation and ease vehicular movement around the area.

The case has since been transferred to the Morogbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force for a detailed investigation.

Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, also responded and evacuated the deceased to the General Hospital morgue in Badagry.

Both vehicles involved have been impounded and are currently in police custody pending forensic examination and possible prosecution.

LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the incident, stating that the driver’s actions constituted “a blatant affront to public safety and a gross violation of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.”

“This lamentable loss of life is an unfortunate testament to the deadly ramifications of impunity on our roads,” he said.

He also said, “It is profoundly disheartening that, despite persistent enlightenment campaigns and rigorous enforcement efforts, some motorists continue to show reckless disregard for traffic regulations.”

Bakare-Oki urged road users to comply with traffic laws, emphasizing that such tragedies are preventable when motorists act responsibly.

He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and called on drivers to prioritize the sanctity of human life.

LASTMA also reiterated its warning to motorists against dangerous practices, particularly one-way violations, stressing that it would continue to impose strict penalties on erring drivers.