In a troubling incident, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) stepped in to assist a couple and several others injured when a drunken bus driver collided with a streetlight.
On Sunday, LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, provided details about the crash, which took place in the Alausa corridor of Ikeja, Lagos.
As explained in the statement signed by Taofiq Adebayo, the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, the crash involved a commercial bus (KTU 69 YJ) that was fully occupied at the time.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver, significantly impaired by alcohol, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a streetlight pole,” Bakare-Oki stated.
“The intensity of the collision prompted widespread concern and caused considerable injuries to several passengers, most notably a couple situated in the middle row.”
With rapid action from LASTMA operatives stationed nearby, four individuals suffering from severe injuries—including the couple, along with one male and one female passenger—were swiftly rescued from the wreckage, received emergency care, and stabilised at the scene.
They were subsequently taken by the Lagos State Ambulance Service to the Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for specialised treatment.
Fortunately, the remaining passengers were not seriously injured.
Mr Bakare-Oki mentioned that the Alausa Division of the Nigeria Police Force secured the area, ensuring the safety of responders and the integrity of the accident scene throughout the rescue operation.
He condemned the reckless behaviour associated with driving under the influence and reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to combatting alcohol-impaired driving through ongoing advocacy and surveillance.
He noted that LASTMA’s monitoring unit is actively engaged with drivers in motor parks across the state, promoting their message: “Don’t Drink and Drive.”
Mr Bakare-Oki extended his heartfelt sympathies to the injured passengers and wished them a swift and full recovery.
