The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reported that a lone vehicular crash involving a fully occupied, painted commercial bus (KTU 69 YJ) occurred over the weekend in the Alausa corridor of Ikeja, Lagos.

According to LASTMA, preliminary investigations revealed that the driver, grievously impaired by alcohol, lost vehicular control and violently rammed into a streetlight pole.

Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, stated that the ferocity of the impact triggered widespread alarm and resulted in significant injuries to several passengers, notably a couple seated in the middle row.

"Thanks to the rapid and professionally coordinated intervention of LASTMA operatives stationed nearby, four severely injured individuals—including the aforementioned couple, along with one male and one female passenger—were swiftly extricated from the wreckage, administered emergency care, and stabilized on-site. They were subsequently transferred to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), who conveyed them to the Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for specialized medical attention. Fortunately, the remaining passengers sustained no serious injuries.

"Throughout the rescue operation, officers of the Alausa Division of the Nigeria Police Force maintained a secured perimeter, ensuring the safety of responders and the preservation of the accident scene.

"In his official remarks, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the reckless endangerment caused by driving under the influence. He reaffirmed the Authority’s unwavering resolve to combat alcohol-impaired driving through continuous advocacy and surveillance. Mr. Bakare-Oki emphasized that LASTMA’s Monitoring and Surveillance Unit remains actively engaged with drivers in motor parks across the State, reinforcing the Agency’s signature campaign: “Don’t Drink and Drive.”

"He extended heartfelt sympathies to the injured passengers and conveyed his earnest wishes for their swift and complete recovery," Taofiq said.

ASA