By peace Udugba
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a tragic incident involving a dispatch rider and a moving train at the PWD railway level crossing in Ikeja earlier today.
According to preliminary findings by security operatives at the scene, the dispatch rider — whose motorcycle bore registration number AGL 179 QR — was reportedly speeding and attempted to cross the track in a rush to access the GRA axis of Ikeja. Unfortunately, he collided with an oncoming train. The impact was fatal, killing him instantly, while the train continued along its path.
LASTMA officials, who were the first responders, swiftly secured the area to prevent further accidents and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. They were supported by officers from the Shogunle Police Division.
The agency has once again urged dispatch riders and other road users to exercise caution, particularly at railway crossings, and to obey all traffic signals to avoid similar tragedies.
The State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) was promptly contacted and arrived at the scene to evacuate the remains of the deceased for necessary procedures.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, describing the incident as “a painful reminder of the grave consequences of impatience and disregard for traffic safety regulations, especially at railway level crossings.”
Mr. Bakare-Oki made a passionate appeal to dispatch riders and all road users to exercise maximum caution, patience, and discipline, particularly when approaching railway intersections.
He stressed the need for strict adherence to traffic signals and government-installed warning signs — not just within Lagos State but across the country — to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
The General Manager further reaffirmed LASTMA’s dedication to continuous public education, proactive enforcement, and safety advocacy in its mission to promote sanity, discipline, and orderliness across the Lagos metropolis.
