LASTMA rescues 8-month-old baby as four pedestrians sustain severe injuries in Otedola multi-vehicle crash

By Stanley Ihedigbo

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have rescued an eight-month-old baby and four pedestrians after a speeding commercial bus ploughed into them at Otedola, inward Tollgate, triggering a multi-vehicle collision that left the adults severely injured.

The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, said the crash involved four vehicles: a Hydra truck (APP 261 FA), an LT commercial bus (EPE 574 YC), a Ford car (GG 283 XQ), and an unregistered Mark flat-body truck.

Preliminary investigations by security personnel revealed that the four pedestrians, including a woman carrying an eight-month-old baby strapped to her back, were attempting to cross the expressway when the speeding LT commercial bus rammed into them.

The force of the impact caused a secondary collision involving the other vehicles, including the unregistered Mark truck.

In a swift and well-coordinated emergency response, LASTMA officers rescued the infant, who miraculously emerged unhurt despite the violent impact.

The four other victims sustained serious injuries and were immediately stabilized before being transported to the Lagos State Accident & Emergency Centre by Tollgate for urgent medical treatment.

Security operatives from Alausa Police Station provided critical support, ensuring the safety of emergency responders and maintaining order throughout the rescue operation.

After the victims were evacuated, LASTMA personnel cleared all damaged vehicles from the roadway, restoring the free flow of traffic inward Tollgate and preventing prolonged congestion along the busy expressway corridor.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sympathy for the victims and wished them a quick recovery.

He also advised pedestrians to make proper use of the pedestrian bridges provided by the government, warning that the dangerous practice of crossing high-speed highways continues to lead to avoidable injuries and loss of life.