LASTMA urges caution after fatal road accident claims driver’s life

Stanley Ihedigbo

A commercial bus driver lost his life on Tuesday following a fatal multiple-vehicle collision at Cele inward Oshodi in Lagos, prompting an emergency response from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other security agencies.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the tragic accident involved a commercial mini bus, popularly known as “Korokpe,” and a Toyota Tundra pickup truck with registration number EPE 554 YC.

Preliminary investigations conducted by security personnel at the scene indicated that the driver of the commercial bus sustained severe injuries from the impact of the collision and died instantly.

LASTMA officials, who were on routine traffic monitoring and surveillance duties within the area, quickly mobilised to the scene to coordinate emergency operations.

Their intervention focused on securing the accident site, managing vehicular movement, and preventing further traffic congestion along the busy corridor.

Working in collaboration with officers of the Nigeria Police Force from the Cele-Ijesha Division, the agency facilitated the recovery of the deceased driver’s remains. The body was subsequently released to members of his family residing within the community.

To ensure public safety and restore normal traffic flow, LASTMA operatives immediately evacuated the damaged vehicles and other debris from the roadway. The accident-involved vehicles were thereafter handed over to the police for a comprehensive investigation aimed at establishing the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and determining any possible liability.

Despite the temporary disruption caused by the incident, traffic movement along the affected route was restored within a short period following the swift intervention of traffic officials and the implementation of effective traffic management measures.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA expressed deep sympathy to the family of the deceased driver and urged motorists, particularly commercial transport operators, to exercise greater caution while on the roads.

He stressed the importance of strict adherence to traffic laws and responsible driving practices, noting that compliance with road safety regulations remains essential in preventing avoidable accidents and loss of lives.

The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring safer roads across Lagos State through continuous traffic monitoring, rapid emergency response, and sustained public enlightenment campaigns targeted at promoting responsible road use among motorists and commuters.