LASTMA Officials Fingered as Fleeing Driver Kills Two Street Sweepers in Lagos

In a horrifying incident on Monday morning, a driver attempting to evade arrest by traffic officials unleashed tragedy on the Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos State.

The unidentified driver, pursued by officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), collided with two members of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) who were diligently carrying out their duties along the roadside.

Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted the chaos that ensued. “The driver was speeding recklessly, and the LASTMA officials were in hot pursuit. Suddenly, there was a loud crash, and we saw the car plough into the street sweepers,” one onlooker reported.

The incident sparked immediate outrage, with passersby and motorists expressing their dismay and grief over the loss of the two street sweepers.

As tensions escalated, security agents, including the police, arrived at the scene and employed tear gas to disperse protesters and restore order.

LAWMA later issued a statement confirming the tragic deaths of the sanitation workers.

“LAWMA is working with security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the errant driver of the car, with vehicle number EPE 984 DV,” the statement read. The agency appealed to motorists to exercise caution on the highways to prevent such incidents and called for calm as investigations unfolded.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased, whom we love most dearly. May their souls continue to rest in peace,” LAWMA expressed in the statement.

As the authorities work to bring the fleeing driver to justice, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by essential workers and the need for heightened road safety awareness among motorists.