Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the rescue of two critically injured victims, a female driver and her male passenger, following a severe collision at Gbagada inward Oshodi.
This was made known by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment of Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, in a statement he issued on Tuesday.
Taofiq said the collision occurred between a Highlander Jeep (AKD 956 JY) and a Black Toyota Corolla (APP 884 JJ), resulting in substantial damage to both vehicles and severe injuries to the occupants of the Corolla.
The statement disclosed that LASTMA personnel deployed at the location exhibited commendable vigilance, responding promptly and proficiently to secure the scene, provide immediate assistance, and prevent further incidents.
According to the statement, the driver of the Highlander Jeep was apprehended at the scene and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Anthony Police Division for thorough investigation and potential prosecution.
It read, “Police from Anthony Division conclusively established that the apprehended driver of the Highlander Jeep was heavily intoxicated at the time of the collision, thereby confirming driving under the influence of alcohol as the principal etiological factor precipitating the unfortunate occurrence.
“Emergency medical protocols were immediately activated and operatives of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) arrived expeditiously at the scene. The injured victims were carefully extricated, stabilized and conveyed to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre facility situated at Toll-Gate inward Secretariat along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where they are presently receiving intensive medical care.”
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, conveyed profound sympathy to the victims and extended the Agency’s earnest prayers for their swift and complete recuperation.
He strongly condemned the egregious act of driving under the influence, deeming it a blatant breach of traffic laws and a significant threat to public safety.
The General Manager reaffirmed the Authority’s uncompromising zero-tolerance policy toward drunk driving and other hazardous traffic infractions that endanger law-abiding road users.
He further enjoined motorists to undertake routine vehicular maintenance and to exercise heightened vigilance and circumspection, particularly along densely trafficked metropolitan corridors.
