Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reported two separate road accidents that occurred over the weekend in different parts of the state.
The incidents left two people injured and three others rescued, a statement by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, confirmed on Sunday.
The first accident, according to Taofiq, occurred at Olohunsogo Bus Stop, inward Mile 2, when a Toyota Camry with registration number FST 450 HG rammed into a stationary Scania truck marked LSR 243 YC.
He stated that “LASTMA officials responded promptly and pulled the Camry driver and a passenger from the wreckage. Both individuals sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Ademola Hospital opposite Ijanikin Police Station for medical treatment.”
According to Taofiq, preliminary investigations revealed that the Camry driver was speeding and lost control, leading to the collision.
“The truck driver was handed over to the police at Ijanikin Division, and the accidented vehicles were cleared from the road to ease traffic flow,” he added.
Furthermore, in a separate incident at the Stadium Hotel axis of Ojuelegba, Surulere, Taofiq said “a white commercial Mazda bus with registration number KRD 141 YH crashed into a BRT lane median”.
He disclosed that the bus driver, who was found unconscious, was rescued alongside two passengers by LASTMA personnel and they were taken to a nearby hospital for emergency care.
One of the passengers, Mrs. Aina Kadri, reported that the bus developed a brake failure while in motion, causing the driver to lose control and crash into the median.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the prompt response of his officers in collaboration with the police, saying their efforts helped reduce casualties and prevent traffic gridlock in both areas.
He cautioned drivers against speeding and urged them to ensure regular vehicle maintenance, emphasizing that excessive speed and poor mechanical condition of vehicles are major causes of avoidable road accidents in the state.
