By CHIAZO OGBOLU

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says a Mercedes-Benz C-300 driver on Saturday absconded from the scene of a lone-vehicle accident that culminated in the death of a pedestrian.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki said that the act of flight not only compounds the gravity of the tragedy but also constitutes a flagrant violation of statutory and civic obligations incumbent upon motorists involved in traffic incidents.

He said the Incident happened in the morning at the NYSC Bus-Stop, inward Igando.

He said the deceased was enroute to a worship service at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Church, Igando when she was fatally struck by the driver of the Mercedes-Benz C-300.

“Reports indicated that the victim was lawfully navigating the designated pedestrian corridor when the vehicle, under circumstances yet to be ascertained, veered into her pathway.

“Upon receipt of distress alerts, LASTMA personnel stationed along the Igando axis promptly cordoned off the accident scene to forestall secondary collisions and ensure the safety of other road users.

“Vehicular movement within the corridor was meticulously regulated to prevent congestion and additional hazards, while requisite safety procedures were immediately activated,” he said.

He said the accident vehicle was thereafter secured and evacuated from the carriageway by LASTMA operatives in strategic collaboration with officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Igando Division.

“This coordinated inter-agency intervention facilitated the prompt restoration of normal vehicular flow and public order within the affected vicinity,” he said.

He said that in a profoundly heartrending turn of events, news of the tragedy reached the MFM Church during service, where the victim’s husband was already present among fellow congregants.

“Overcome with anguish, he and members of the church community proceeded to the scene and respectfully conveyed the remains of the deceased for necessary rites.

“The causative factors underlying the fatal occurrence remain under thorough investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.

“The findings of this inquiry are expected to illuminate the precise circumstances surrounding the incident and to inform appropriate prosecutorial measures against the fleeing driver in accordance with extant traffic and criminal statutes,” he said.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to the preservation of human life and the strict enforcement of traffic discipline across Lagos roadways.

He emphasised that the outcome of the ongoing police investigation would guide the government’s subsequent course of action.

Furthermore, he admonished motorists to exercise heightened vigilance, adhere strictly to statutory speed regulations and demonstrate unequivocal respect for pedestrian rights at all times. (NAN)