A fatal accident occurred on September 27, 2026, at approximately 2:47 pm WAT, along the Ojuelegba axis of Surulere, Lagos. A commercial Volkswagen bus with registration number LND 130 XR veered off its path and crashed into a median pole at Ogunlana Junction. The incident happened when the bus allegedly driven by a driver under the influence of alcohol, lost control and careered violently into the median.
According to eyewitnesses, motorists approaching the vehicle from behind had to exercise caution to avoid colliding with the erratically driven bus. A male passenger reportedly jumped out of the moving vehicle in an attempt to escape and sustained serious injuries after hitting the ground. Unfortunately, he later died from his injuries. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials conducting traffic surveillance in the Ojuelegba area quickly responded after noticing the crash.
The LASTMA officials secured the scene, managed traffic, and removed the damaged vehicle and the deceased passenger from the road to prevent a possible secondary collision. This prompt action undoubtedly prevented further loss of life and property. Personnel from the Area C Police Division, Ojuelegba, provided security cover, while officials of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEHMU) evacuated the remains of the deceased.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as another warning about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, and the use of mechanically defective vehicles. He emphasized the importance of responsible driving practices and vehicle maintenance. Bakare-Oki urged commercial and private motorists to conduct proper checks on their vehicles before every journey.
Bakare-Oki specifically highlighted the need for motorists to check critical safety components, including the braking system, tyres, steering, and others. He commiserated with the family of the deceased and reiterated LASTMA's commitment to rapid emergency response, effective traffic management, and prompt clearance of accident scenes to protect road users.
The LASTMA boss also urged motorists and other members of the public to report accidents, vehicle breakdowns, traffic obstructions, and other road-related emergencies through LASTMA's toll-free short code 3367. This, he said, would enable the agency to respond promptly to emergencies and prevent further incidents.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving practices and the need for motorists to prioritize road safety. LASTMA's swift intervention undoubtedly prevented a secondary crash, and the agency's commitment to traffic management and emergency response is commendable. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any road-related emergencies to ensure a safer road environment.
Key points
- LASTMA officials prevented a secondary collision by securing the scene and managing traffic.
- The incident highlights the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving.
- LASTMA urges motorists to conduct proper checks on their vehicles before every journey.
