Train Crushes Dispatch Rider to Death in Lagos
A dispatch rider was crushed to death by a train on Wednesday, October 16, at the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja, Lagos.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), which confirmed the incident, renewed its call for caution and strict compliance with traffic regulations around rail crossings.
According to a statement by the agency, the fatal crash occurred when the dispatch rider, whose motorcycle bore registration number AGL 179 QR, attempted to cross the tracks despite an approaching train. The tragic incident, which happened near the route leading to Ikeja GRA, resulted in the rider’s instant death.
Eyewitnesses said the victim had tried to beat the oncoming train. “He was riding very fast and ignored the warning signals,” one witness recounted.
The train, which was unable to halt in time, continued along its route after the impact.
LASTMA officials arrived at the scene shortly after the crash to manage traffic and secure the area. They were later joined by officers from the Shogunle Police Division, while personnel from the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) evacuated the body.
In a statement, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the victim’s family, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the consequences of impatience and disregard for safety at railway crossings.
“This is a distressing reminder of the dire consequences of impatience and disregard for traffic safety rules, particularly at railway level crossings,” Bakare-Oki said.
He urged dispatch riders and motorists to obey warning signs, traffic lights, and signals, noting that railway crossings require heightened attention and discipline.
“We appeal to all road users to remain cautious, patient, and responsible to avoid needless loss of life,” he added.
The LASTMA chief reiterated the agency’s commitment to public education and enforcement, stating that LASTMA would intensify awareness campaigns and patrols around high-risk areas.
“We remain committed to public enlightenment, proactive enforcement, and safety advocacy in our mission to ensure sanity and discipline across the Lagos metropolis,” Bakare-Oki said.
