A serious accident occurred over the weekend in the Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos, after a commercial bus driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, lost control of his vehicle and crashed, injuring several people.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the yellow commercial bus, with registration number KTU 69 YJ, was fully loaded when it veered off the road and collided with a streetlight pole, resulting in extensive damage.
In a statement issued on Sunday, LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq said initial investigations revealed that the driver was intoxicated and unable to operate the vehicle properly due to excessive alcohol consumption.
“The impact of the crash was severe and caused panic in the area,” Taofiq said. “Several passengers sustained injuries, with a couple seated in the middle row suffering the most.”
He commended the swift action of LASTMA officers who were nearby and able to respond immediately. “Four individuals, including the injured couple, a male, and a female passenger, were quickly rescued from the wreckage. They were given emergency care and stabilized at the scene,” he added.
The injured victims were later transferred to the Lagos State Ambulance Service and taken to the Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for further treatment. Other passengers were reported to have escaped with minor or no injuries.
During the operation, officers from the Alausa Division of the Nigeria Police Force secured the area to ensure the safety of emergency personnel and preserve the accident site.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, strongly condemned drunk driving, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to road safety enforcement, and wished the injured victims a swift recovery.
