Emmanuel lkpeama
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has successfully rescued two victims trapped in a devastating multi-vehicle accident that occurred along the Motorway inward Toll-Gate corridor at the Ogudu-Alapere axis of Lagos State.
The crash involved a heavily loaded 12-tyre DAF articulated truck and a commercial Volkswagen T4 bus with registration number AA 60 YF.
According to preliminary investigations, the commercial bus somersaulted after a violent collision, leaving its driver and a passenger trapped inside the severely damaged vehicle.
The incident also caused a major obstruction along the busy route.
LASTMA officials, who were on routine traffic surveillance patrol within the corridor, responded swiftly to the emergency.
Upon arrival, they immediately activated comprehensive rescue and traffic management protocols aimed at saving lives, preventing further accidents, and restoring the free flow of traffic.
Working in collaboration with other emergency responders, the LASTMA operatives successfully extricated the trapped victims from the wreckage and handed them over to officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) for urgent medical attention.
To ensure safety during the rescue operation, the accident scene was quickly secured and cordoned off, protecting both emergency personnel and other road users.
Personnel of the Ketu Division of the Nigeria Police Force also provided vital security support, ensuring effective crowd control and seamless coordination throughout the operation.
Following the rescue, the damaged vehicles were evacuated from the roadway while LASTMA officials implemented strategic traffic diversion measures to ease congestion and minimize disruption along the corridor.
Commending the professionalism and bravery displayed by the officers, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the successful rescue underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, enhancing public safety, and ensuring efficient traffic management across Lagos State.
He also urged motorists, particularly operators of articulated trucks and commercial vehicles, to embrace defensive driving practices, strictly adhere to traffic regulations, and ensure their vehicles are in sound mechanical condition before embarking on journeys.
Mr. Bakare-Oki reiterated that road safety remains a shared responsibility and called on all road users to remain vigilant, patient, and disciplined while using the state’s highways and major roads.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to prompt emergency response and effective traffic management in line with its mandate to keep Lagos roads safe and accessible for all.