Four injured in Lagos accident, drivers handed to police

Four passengers got multiple fractures in a crash between a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a commercial bus at Otedola, heading towards Berger, Lagos State, on Monday morning.

A statement on Monday from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on X said the accident happened near Jubilee Gate during the busy morning period.

Officials from the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) helped the injured passengers and took them to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for treatment.

LASTMA operatives directed traffic at the scene while police from the Isheri division provided security during the rescue.

The agency said its operatives arrested both drivers and handed them over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution. The two vehicles, including a Toyota Highlander SUV, were also given to the relevant authorities.

The accident took place along the Otedola Bridge section of the Lagos, Ibadan Expressway, where other accidents have happened before. A Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) study showed 39 crashes at Otedola Bridge from January 2018 to June 2020. This is compared to 196 at Kara Bridge and 21 at OPIC.

The Lagos Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, warned drivers to follow speed limits, keep to their lanes, and be careful, especially on the steep parts of Otedola Bridge, to avoid accidents.

The report pointed out that speed violations were the main cause of accidents in these areas, followed by brake failure and mechanical issues. It did not confirm what caused Monday’s crash.

LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki praised the agency’s operatives, LASAMBUS staff, the FRSC, and the police for their quick response.

He asked drivers to follow traffic rules, drive at safe speeds, and stay alert while on the road.