The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has over the weekend expressed profound grief over a fatal lone road traffic accident that claimed the life of a female motorist at Mongoro, inward Ile-zik, along one of Lagos’ busiest arterial corridors.
Security investigations revealed that the deceased, who was driving a Toyota Sienna (LND 162 HB), lost control of the vehicle which subsequently veered off the carriageway and violently rammed into a roadside building. The ferocity of the impact proved catastrophic, resulting in her instantaneous death. She was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the unfortunate incident.
LASTMA personnel, who were on routine surveillance patrol within the corridor, responded with remarkable promptitude upon receiving reports of the crash. The officers immediately instituted comprehensive traffic management measures by strategically deploying safety cones to cordon off the affected section of the roadway while simultaneously commencing effective vehicular traffic control to forestall congestion, prevent secondary collisions and guarantee the safety of other road users throughout the evacuation and recovery operations.
Although the incident occasioned a temporary disruption to the free flow of vehicular movement, the swift and coordinated intervention of LASTMA officers substantially mitigated the risk of further accidents and restored orderly traffic circulation within the shortest possible time.
Security operatives from the Afonka Police Post, under the Shasha Divisional Police Headquarters, provided essential security reinforcement throughout the emergency response and remained on ground until the successful conclusion of the evacuation exercise.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences associated with excessive speed and reckless driving.
According to him, speed limits are not mere statutory obligations but indispensable life-preserving safeguards established to protect both motorists and other road users from avoidable tragedies.
“Every journey must be undertaken with prudence, patience and an unwavering commitment to established traffic regulations. No destination is worth the ultimate sacrifice of human life. Excessive speed remains one of the foremost causes of fatal road traffic crashes and motorists must, at all times, exercise the highest degree of caution, restraint and responsibility while behind the wheel,” the General Manager stated.
Mr. Bakare-Oki further admonished motorists to ensure that their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on any journey, stressing that any indication of mechanical defect or operational malfunction should necessitate the immediate discontinuation of driving until the fault is professionally rectified.
The Authority extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones of the deceased, praying that Almighty God grants them the strength, fortitude and divine consolation to endure this irreparable loss.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA
