The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has expressed profound sorrow over a series of grave road traffic crashes recorded on the first day of the New Year across strategic corridors of Lagos, resulting in the loss of lives and multiple injuries.
In a deeply distressing incident that occurred earlier today at Iyana Itire, inward Oshodi, a violent collision between a Volkswagen commercial bus (SMK 850 HK) and a Toyota Sienna car (KSF 329 XL) claimed the lives of two persons.
LASTMA personnel, who promptly arrived at the scene, immediately contacted the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SHEMU) for the dignified evacuation of the deceased, ensuring orderliness and preventing further disruption to traffic flow.
In a separate but equally serious accident along the Ibeju Bridge, inward Eleko axis of the Lekki–Ajah Expressway, a DAF tanker collided with an Opel Zafira car (EPE 537 GZ).
Thanks to the swift and professional intervention of LASTMA’s emergency response team, two critically injured victims were rescued and urgently conveyed to a nearby medical facility for lifesaving treatment.
Similarly, at Owode Elede, inward Owode Onirin along the Ikorodu Road corridor, another severe crash involving a Volkswagen commercial bus (AGL 713 XP) and a Toyota Corolla car (AGL 607 JF) left four persons injured. LASTMA operatives, acting with commendable dispatch rescued the victims and ensured their immediate transfer to the hospital, while also restoring traffic normalcy in the area.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki strongly condemned the spate of accidents, describing them as avoidable tragedies occasioned largely by recklessness and excessive speeding, especially on a day meant to usher in hope, reflection and renewed commitment to safety.
Mr. Bakare-Oki extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, praying for fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.
He further commended the promptness, professionalism, and dedication of LASTMA personnel whose timely interventions mitigated further casualties and ensured the rapid rescue of injured victims.
The General Manager reiterated LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property on Lagos roads, while sternly warning motorists to eschew dangerous driving habits, obey traffic regulations, and prioritize human life over speed and impatience.
LASTMA remains resolute in its mandate to enforce traffic laws, respond swiftly to emergencies and continually sensitize the motoring public on the imperative of road safety, particularly during festive and high-mobility periods.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA
