Scavenger crushed to death in Lagos

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Saturday apprehended a truck driver for crushing a scavenger pushing a wheelbarrow to death around Mile 12 Market, along Ikorodu Road, Lagos. 

The driver and his motor-boy (assistant) tried to flee after sensing danger from angry scavengers in the area.

The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident.

Taofiq said the scavenger was pushing a wheelbarrow on the main carriage way by Mile 12 Market, inward Ketu when the truck rammed into him.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the truck lost control while on top speed and suddenly noticed that his brakes had failed.

“The scavenger was rescued alive by LASTMA Officers but, later died while he was being rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment by security personnel.

“Upon information on the death of the scavenger, some miscreants and hoodlums trooped out to attack the truck driver, but he was rescued to Ketu Police Divisional Headquarters by LASTMA officials with the support of security personnel,” he said.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare-Oki Olalekan, appealed to market leaders to regularly carry out safety enlightenment campaign on the danger of using wheelbarrow to convey goods or food items on highways across the state.

He however warned truck drivers to always avoid speeding and ensure that the braking system of their trucks is in good condition before embarking on any journey within or outside the state.