Emmanuel Clement.
LAGOS — The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued a critically injured victim of a hit-and-run accident at Ojota after an unidentified motorist allegedly knocked down the victim and fled the scene.
The incident occurred over the weekend on the main carriageway around Ketu inward Ojota, where the victim was reportedly left helpless and unattended following the crash.
LASTMA officers who arrived at the scene immediately moved to secure the area, regulate traffic and protect the injured victim from being further endangered by passing vehicles.
The victim was found lying in a pool of blood and had sustained multiple traumatic injuries, including severe fractures and a serious head injury.
Although he was still alive and breathing when the officers arrived, his condition was described as critical and requiring urgent medical attention.
The officers promptly alerted the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), whose medical personnel arrived at the scene to assess the victim and determine the appropriate emergency intervention.
Following the assessment, the medical team reportedly expressed serious concern over the severity of the victim’s injuries, particularly the multiple fractures and head trauma, which required treatment at a specialised medical facility with adequate trauma-management capacity.
Despite the distressing situation, LASTMA officers remained at the scene, continued to protect the victim and managed traffic while further emergency-response arrangements were explored.
The incident, according to the Agency, underscores the growing role of LASTMA in emergency response and rescue operations, beyond its conventional traffic-management responsibilities.
Reacting to the development, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the alleged abandonment of the victim by the unidentified motorist.
Bakare-Oki described the action as irresponsible and reprehensible, stressing that motorists involved in road crashes have a moral and legal responsibility to stop, assess the situation and summon emergency responders.
He noted that the first few moments following a serious accident are crucial to the survival of victims and urged motorists to always prioritise human life during emergencies.
“The decision by a motorist to flee the scene of a crash, particularly where another person has sustained life-threatening injuries, is deeply reprehensible and could have devastating consequences,” Bakare-Oki stated.
The LASTMA General Manager commended the officers who responded to the incident for their courage, professionalism and commitment to saving lives, despite the severity of the crash scene.
He also appealed to eyewitnesses, motorists and members of the public with credible information that could assist in identifying or apprehending the fleeing driver to make such information available to the appropriate law-enforcement authorities.
LASTMA further urged motorists to exercise caution and discipline on Lagos roads, warning against excessive speed, reckless driving and other dangerous driving practices that could result in loss of lives.
The Agency also called on members of the public to develop a stronger culture of emergency consciousness by promptly contacting relevant emergency-response agencies whenever road crashes occur.
Members of the public can contact LASTMA through its toll-free emergency hotline 3367 for assistance during road crashes and other traffic-related emergencies.
