Train crushes dispatch rider to death at Lagos railway crossing

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has renewed its appeal for caution and strict compliance with traffic regulations following a tragic collision between a moving train and a dispatch rider at the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja on Thursday.

In a statement issued by the agency, the accident occurred when the dispatch rider, whose motorcycle bore registration number AGL 179 QR, attempted to cross the tracks despite an approaching train. The impact, which happened near the route leading to Ikeja GRA, resulted in the rider’s instant death.

Eyewitnesses said the victim tried to outpace the train, ignoring the warning signals and speed restrictions at the level crossing.

“He rode in a hurry and disregarded the signals alerting of an oncoming train,” one witness recounted.

Following the incident, LASTMA officials swiftly arrived at the scene to manage traffic and cordon off 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.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family, describing the tragedy as a sobering reminder of the dangers of recklessness and impatience on Lagos roads.

“This unfortunate event is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of impatience and disregard for safety rules, especially at railway crossings,” Bakare-Oki said.

He urged dispatch riders and motorists to respect warning signs, traffic lights, and barriers, stressing that railway intersections require maximum vigilance.

“We appeal to all road users to be patient, cautious, and responsible to prevent avoidable deaths,” he added.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to road safety education and enforcement, announcing plans to intensify awareness campaigns and surveillance around high-risk areas across the state.

“LASTMA remains steadfast in its mission to promote discipline, proactive enforcement, and continuous public enlightenment to ensure safety across the Lagos metropolis,” he stated.