The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) solemnly affirms the decisive intervention of its operatives, in concert with the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), in two grievous road traffic tragedies precipitated by excessive speed and perilous road conditions induced by incessant rainfall.
In the first occurrence, a lone accident involving a Ford automobile, with registration number APP 413 YH, unfolded along Ozumba Mbadiwe Road by Kofo Abayomi Junction, inward Kilimanjaro/Law School, Victoria Island.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver, regrettably unrestrained by a seatbelt, lost mastery of the vehicle owing to reckless velocity compounded by the rain-slicked roadway.
The violent collision caused the motorist to strike his chest forcefully against the steering wheel, rendering him critically unconscious.
Responding with commendable alacrity, LASTMA operatives swiftly alerted LASAMBUS medical personnel, who resuscitated the victim on-site before conveying him expeditiously in an ambulance to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Officers of the Bar Beach Divisional Police Command simultaneously ensured security cordon while the intricate rescue mission was underway.
In a related but equally tragic development, a multiple-vehicle collision occurred between a Coaster bus (NCA 118 XB) and a Mini bus (FKJ 118 XB) at Volks, inward Abule-Ado.
Investigations disclosed that the coaster bus, travelling at an inordinate speed on the slippery highway, lost control amidst the torrential downpour and violently rammed into the mini bus.
LASTMA personnel, with swift collaboration from medical responders, extricated two gravely injured male victims and urgently transported them to GMC Hospital, Ilaje, Abule-Ado for immediate treatment.
Reinforcement was duly provided by security operatives from the Ojo Divisional Police Command.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, sternly admonished motorists to exercise utmost circumspection and restraint, particularly by moderating their speed during the rainy season when visibility is severely impaired and road surfaces become treacherously slippery.
He further conveyed his heartfelt wishes for the swift and complete recovery of all accident victims currently receiving treatment.
The Authority reiterates its unwavering resolve to safeguard human lives, preserve public safety, and guarantee uninterrupted traffic management across the expanse of Lagos State.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA
