Mobolaji Michael
THE Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has informed the general public of a grave road traffic incident that transpired earlier today on Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, involving a Toyota Camry with registration number KJA 126 BH, which tragically veered off the upper deck of the bridge and descended to the lower level.
Preliminary findings, according to Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, indicate that the female motorist, while travelling at an excessive speed, abruptly applied her brakes upon perceiving another vehicle manoeuvring into the service lane ahead of her. This sudden deceleration destabilized her vehicle, causing it to veer uncontrollably and ultimately plummet off the bridge — leaving her critically injured.
LASTMA personnel, in prompt coordination with allied emergency responders, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LSNSC) and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), arrived at the scene expeditiously.
The victim was successfully extricated from the wreckage and conveyed without delay to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre located at the Toll Gate for immediate medical intervention.
This incident comes shortly after a recent tragedy at the same location, where at least six people lost their lives when a gas-laden truck lost control and exploded in flames.
In his reaction, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, underscored the paramount importance of adhering to stipulated speed limits and respecting highway regulations.
He lamented that a significant proportion of road traffic accidents stem from reckless driving, particularly the habitual disregard for established safety protocols by both private and commercial motorists.
“This unfortunate occurrence could have been entirely circumvented had the driver complied with the statutory speed regulations. We, therefore, implore all road users to exercise greater caution and to uphold the tenets of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, in the collective interest of public safety,” Mr. Bakare-Oki stated emphatically.
While extending heartfelt wishes for the swift recovery of the injured motorist, he reaffirmed LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to preserving safety and orderliness across the state’s road network.
The public is strongly encouraged to report incidents of traffic infractions, vehicular breakdowns, emergencies, or road accidents through LASTMA’s dedicated Toll-Free Hotline: 0800-005-27862 (0800-00-LASTMA).
Eighteen-Eleven Media