LASTMA Official Passes Away After Slumping On Duty In Lagos (Photo)

 

According to Punch Metro, Kazeem Lawal, an official of theTraffic Management Authority, LASTMA attached to Zone 3, Iponri, has died after collapsing while controlling traffic on Ishaga Road in the Idi-Araba, Mushin area on Saturday.

 

The deceased, who was among LASTMA officials on duty for an event at the Chapel of the Healing Cross collapsed at 1:30 pm. His colleagues rushed to help revive him as he struggled with his breath, as he was later rushed to the hospital when all efforts failed.

 

A nearby medical centre, Randle Hospital, reportedly confirmed him dead as he was brought in.

 

One of the colleagues of the deceased, who spoke to Punch correspondent on condition of anonymity, said, “He was initially taken to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, but he could not be attended to because of the ongoing strike action. He was then rushed to the Randle Hospital where he was confirmed dead.

“We do not have any insurance policy. We do not have any hazard allowance. It is very painful.

“His family members are in disarray at present. We work round the clock, and we are usually overwhelmed. He must have collapsed from accumulated stress.

“Since the government sacked some LASTMA workers last year, there has been a burden on the workforce. Work posts, where seven personnel were handling, have been reduced to one or two.”

The Public Relations Officer, LASTMA, Bola Ajao, could not be reached as calls put across to her phone did not connect. A text message sent to her also had yet to be replied as at press time.

 

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu was also contacted and he revealed they were still gathering reports on the incident.