It was a weekend of chaos and near tragedy on Lagos roads as two separate accidents left two people grievously injured and three others rescued in quick succession.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed its intervention in the accidents, which occurred at Olohunsogo Bus Stop, inward Mile 2, and at the Stadium Hotel axis of Ojuelegba in Surulere.
The first incident unfolded at Olohunsogo when a Toyota Camry with registration number FST 450 HG rammed into a stationary Scania truck marked LSR 243 YC. Eyewitnesses said the impact was so severe that the occupants of the Camry were trapped inside.
LASTMA operatives, who arrived promptly at the scene, worked swiftly to extricate the injured driver and a passenger. Both victims were immediately taken to Ademola Hospital opposite Ijanikin Police Station, where doctors battled to stabilize them.
Preliminary reports indicated that the Camry driver had been speeding recklessly before losing control and colliding with the parked truck. “It was a clear case of overspeeding,” a LASTMA officer disclosed.
The driver of the stationary truck was taken into custody at the scene, as officers from the Ijanikin Police Division provided reinforcement and secured the area to prevent further incidents.
To ease traffic that had begun to build up, LASTMA personnel cleared the damaged vehicles from the road. Their quick action ensured that normal traffic flow was restored in record time.
Barely hours later, another scene of disaster emerged at the busy Ojuelegba corridor. A white commercial Mazda bus with registration number KRD 141 YH lost control while navigating the Stadium Hotel stretch.
The bus, according to witnesses, veered dangerously before slamming into the concrete median on the BRT lane. The impact left the driver unconscious while two passengers also sustained varying injuries.
Again, LASTMA officials swung into action, rushing the three victims to a nearby medical facility. Fortunately, they all survived the ordeal after receiving urgent treatment.
One of the passengers, Mrs. Aina Kadri, narrated her terrifying experience. She explained that the bus had suddenly suffered brake failure at high speed, leaving the driver helpless in his attempt to avert disaster.
Speaking on the twin tragedies, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised his officers for their professionalism and rapid response. He also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Police in managing both emergencies.
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to quick rescue operations, efficient traffic management, and the protection of lives on Lagos roads.
He, however, warned motorists against excessive speeding and neglect of routine vehicle maintenance, describing them as major but avoidable causes of road accidents. “Lives are being lost daily to preventable mistakes,” he cautioned, urging drivers to put safety above haste.
As Lagosians resume their weekly routines, the accidents serve as a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk on the roads—and the importance of vigilance, caution, and responsibility behind the wheel.
