LASTMA rescues drunk driver in severe Ebute-Ero crash, renews warning against drink-driving

Stanley Ihedigbo

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a serious road traffic accident involving a suspected drunk driver at Ebute-Ero inward NEPA, Apongbon, in the early hours of today.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, preliminary investigations revealed that a male motorist, believed to be heavily intoxicated, was driving a Honda Jeep with registration number FKJ 562 JF at an excessively high and uncontrollable speed when he rammed into the rear of a moving Scania truck while descending the bridge.

The violent collision left the driver critically trapped inside the mangled vehicle, triggering an immediate life-threatening emergency.

In a swift and professional response, LASTMA rescue officers promptly mobilised to the scene and carried out a delicate extraction operation to free the trapped driver from the wreckage.

The injured motorist was subsequently handed over to security operatives and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.

To prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of other road users, LASTMA officers secured and cordoned off the crash scene, effectively controlling traffic and restoring normal flow along the busy axis.

Personnel of the Ebute-Ero Police Division provided critical security support throughout the rescue and recovery operations, ensuring a coordinated and incident-free intervention.

Following the successful rescue, LASTMA’s recovery team evacuated both the damaged Jeep and the Scania truck from the roadway. The vehicles were later handed over to security authorities for detailed investigation and necessary legal action.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, expressed deep concern over what he described as an entirely avoidable crash. While wishing the injured driver a speedy recovery, he strongly condemned the reckless behaviour that led to the incident.

Hon. Giwa reiterated that the Lagos State Government has repeatedly warned motorists against driving under the influence of alcohol, stressing that drink-driving remains one of the most dangerous forms of road indiscipline.

“Driving under the influence endangers not only the driver but also innocent road users who may fall victim to such irresponsible conduct,” he said,
reaffirming the government’s determination to intensify enforcement of traffic laws and protect lives and property across the state.

LASTMA once again urged all motorists to obey traffic regulations, exercise caution and responsibility behind the wheel, and completely abstain from alcohol consumption before driving, reminding the public that drinking and driving kills.