Tragedy struck on Thursday at the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja, Lagos, when a moving train crushed a dispatch rider to death after he reportedly attempted to outrun the oncoming locomotive.

According to a statement by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the rider, whose motorcycle carried the registration number AGL 179 QR, ignored warning signals and tried to speed across the tracks just as the train approached. The impact, which occurred near the route leading to Ikeja GRA, resulted in the rider’s instant death.

Eyewitnesses at the scene confirmed that the victim had been in a hurry and disregarded the flashing signals and safety barriers.

“He rode in a hurry and ignored the signals alerting of an oncoming train,” an eyewitness recounted.

LASTMA officials swiftly arrived to manage traffic and cordon off the area, while officers from the Shogunle Police Division joined in securing the scene. Personnel from the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) later evacuated the victim’s body.

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

He urged all dispatch riders and motorists to obey traffic lights, barriers, and warning signs, stressing that railway intersections demand maximum caution and patience.

Bakare-Oki also reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to road safety education and enforcement, announcing plans to intensify awareness campaigns and surveillance in 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 added.