….. Bakare-Oki Expresses Sympathy with Victims, Reaffirms Commitment to Traffic Safety and Uninterrupted Mobility
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) today responded to a serious road traffic collision at Berger Bus Stop inward Kara Bridge, around the Ojodu axis of Lagos State, involving a 40-foot HOWO truck, an interstate commercial Mazda bus and a Toyota Hiace bus, both conveying passengers.
The incident triggered substantial traffic disruption along the affected corridor and necessitated an immediate, coordinated rescue and traffic management operation by the Agency’s personnel.
Reports indicate that the heavy-duty truck, travelling out of Lagos, rammed into the two commercial passenger vehicles resulting in serious injuries to several occupants.
LASTMA operatives stationed around the Ojodu–Berger axis responded with commendable alacrity, successfully rescuing five seriously injured passengers, comprising three females and two males, including the driver. Their prompt intervention facilitated the victims’ evacuation from the accident scene and expedited their conveyance for urgent medical attention.
As part of the coordinated response, security personnel from Isheri Police Station provided essential security reinforcement, while the injured victims were transported by compassionate motorists, accompanied by LASTMA officials, to the Lagos State Emergency and Trauma Centre at Toll Gate for immediate medical assessment and treatment.
Concurrently, LASTMA personnel undertook the evacuation of all vehicles involved in the collision, including the articulated truck, from the carriageway to forestall secondary accidents and facilitate the expeditious restoration of unobstructed vehicular movement.
The collision initially precipitated an extensive traffic backlog with vehicular queues stretching backwards to Otedola Bridge. However, LASTMA officials remained strategically deployed along the affected stretch, coordinating traffic regulation, mitigating congestion and implementing operational measures to progressively restore traffic fluidity.
Following the removal of the accident vehicles, they also handed them over to police personnel for further investigation into the circumstances and underlying causes of the collision, as well as any necessary legal action.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed profound sympathy with the injured passengers and earnestly wished them a speedy and complete recovery.
He emphasised the indispensable importance of responsible motoring, scrupulous compliance with prescribed road safety regulations and the routine maintenance of heavy-duty vehicles, particularly those plying major highways, where mechanical deficiencies, reckless driving or a loss of vehicular control can engender catastrophic consequences.
LASTMA reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, minimising traffic-related hazards and sustaining seamless mobility across Lagos State.
The Authority consequently urges motorists, particularly operators of articulated trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles, to prioritise vehicular roadworthiness, exercise appropriate caution and remain vigilant while navigating major traffic corridors.
Motorists are further enjoined to comply with traffic directives issued by LASTMA officials to promote collective safety and prevent avoidable road traffic tragedies.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.
