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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has revealed that a drunk driver lost control of his vehicle over the weekend, causing a serious accident at the Alausa corridor in the Ikeja area of Lagos State.
The incident involved a fully occupied painted commercial bus with registration number KTU 69 YJ, which crashed into a streetlight pole and suffered extensive damage.
According to a statement released on Sunday by LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, preliminary investigations indicate that the driver was heavily intoxicated at the time of the crash, impairing his ability to control the vehicle. This reckless behavior led to a chaotic and dangerous situation, endangering the lives of all passengers on board as well as pedestrians nearby.
Taofiq described the crash as severe and noted that it caused significant panic among bystanders. Several passengers sustained injuries, with particular concern for a couple seated in the middle row of the bus, who were among the most seriously hurt. Fortunately, due to the prompt response of LASTMA operatives stationed close to the scene, rescue efforts were swiftly initiated.
“Thanks to the rapid and professionally coordinated intervention of LASTMA operatives stationed nearby, four severely injured individuals—including the aforementioned couple, one male passenger, and one female passenger—were quickly extricated from the wreckage,” Taofiq said. “They received emergency medical care on-site, were stabilised, and then transferred to the Lagos State Ambulance Service.”
The injured victims were subsequently taken to the Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate by the ambulance team for specialized treatment. Encouragingly, the remaining passengers escaped with minor or no injuries, avoiding further tragedy.
Throughout the rescue operation, officers from the Alausa Division of the Nigeria Police Force maintained strict security around the accident site. Their presence ensured the safety of emergency responders and helped preserve the scene for proper investigation.
In the same statement, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the reckless act of drunk driving, highlighting the grave dangers it poses to road users and the public.
He also reassured the public of ongoing surveillance and enforcement efforts aimed at curbing such irresponsible behavior on Lagos roads. Bakare-Oki extended heartfelt sympathies to the victims and wished them a speedy and full recovery.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hazards of driving under the influence and the need for stricter compliance with traffic laws to safeguard lives and maintain order on the roads.