Tragedy struck at Pokia Junction, inward Araga, along the Epe–Ijebu Road, Epe, Lagos, on Wednesday as an empty Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker collided with a commercial motorcycle, resulting in the deaths of the rider and his passenger.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, stating that the tanker driver has been arrested and is currently in police custody.

According to the agency spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, preliminary investigations revealed that the motorcyclist, carrying a male passenger, was riding against traffic on a prohibited one-way route when the tanker, reportedly moving at high speed, collided with the motorcycle.

The violent impact proved fatal, resulting in the instantaneous death of both the rider and the passenger.

LASTMA operatives responded promptly, securing the scene, cordoning off the area to prevent secondary accidents, and notifying relevant authorities, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The tanker was later removed to restore traffic flow, and the remains of the deceased, along with the tanker driver, were handed over to the Noforija Police Division for further investigation.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, described the incident as a “sorrowful reminder of the deadly consequences of traffic violations.”

He urged commercial motorcyclists and all road users to strictly adhere to traffic regulations, warning against dangerous practices such as riding against one-way traffic and competing recklessly with larger vehicles.

“This unfortunate loss of lives was entirely avoidable. Had the motorcyclist remained within his lawful lane and observed a moderate speed, this fatal incident would not have occurred,” Giwa stated.

He further reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enforcing traffic regulations and protecting lives on the roads.

LASTMA urged all motorists to view traffic laws as life-saving measures rather than punitive rules, emphasizing that compliance is essential for safety and orderly movement on Lagos roads. (The Nation)