Passenger dies after commercial bus crashes in Lagos
A male passenger died following a collision involving a commercial Volkswagen bus that struck a median pole at Ogunlana Junction, near Ojuelegba, in the Surulere area of Lagos.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reported that the accident occurred when the bus, registered as LND 130 XR, veered sharply into the median. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol and was driving recklessly prior to the incident.
Witnesses indicated that motorists behind the bus exercised caution in an effort to avoid an accident with the erratically operated vehicle. In the confusion that ensued, the deceased passenger reportedly jumped from the bus in an attempt to escape and sustained severe injuries upon landing. He later succumbed to those injuries.
LASTMA personnel, who were conducting traffic surveillance in the area, responded swiftly to the scene. They implemented emergency traffic measures, secured the site, and removed the deceased passenger and the damaged vehicle from the roadway, thereby preventing any further accidents.
Officers from the Area C Police Division also secured the scene while officials from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEHMU) arrived to transport the body of the deceased.
In a statement, LASTMA highlighted the risks associated with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and operating defective vehicles on public roads. The agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, called on both commercial and private drivers to conduct thorough checks on their vehicles before embarking on journeys, emphasizing the importance of inspecting braking systems, tires, steering mechanism, and other critical safety features.
Bakare-Oki extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and reiterated LASTMA’s dedication to responding promptly to road incidents, managing traffic effectively, and safeguarding lives on Lagos roadways. He also encouraged the public to report any traffic-related incidents, such as accidents or vehicle breakdowns, using LASTMA’s toll-free short code.
