Four passengers sustained serious injuries, including fractures, in a collision between a Toyota Highlander and a Mazda commercial bus at Otedola, inward Berger, by Jubilee Gate, Lagos, during the morning rush hour on Tuesday.
The two vehicles collided on the main carriageway, a busy corridor that carries heavy traffic at peak periods.
Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) arrived quickly, began rescue operations and put traffic control measures in place.
LASAMBUS personnel pulled the four injured passengers from the wreckage and took them to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for treatment.
LASTMA said its operatives’ swift response prevented a secondary collision that could have endangered other motorists, commuters and road users. Police personnel from the Isheri Police Division also provided security for emergency workers throughout the rescue and recovery operation.
LASTMA operatives arrested both drivers and handed them over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution. The two vehicles were also moved to the appropriate security authorities to help investigators establish the cause of the crash.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended LASTMA operatives, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), LASAMBUS personnel and the Isheri Police for their quick response and teamwork.
Bakare-Oki said effective emergency response depends on prompt mobilisation, preparedness and close cooperation among agencies, especially on heavily congested roads where delays can worsen the consequences of accidents.
He urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, observe speed limits and stay focused while driving, noting that avoidable crashes continue to threaten lives and the free movement of people and goods in Lagos.
LASTMA said it would strengthen its emergency response, step up traffic surveillance and sustain enforcement operations in line with its mandate to protect lives and ensure orderly traffic across the state.
The information was contained in a statement issued by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.
