LASTMA Officer Critically Injured as Reckless Trailer Driver Loses Control

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has unequivocally condemned the egregious recklessness of a fully loaded trailer driver, whose imprudent speeding and subsequent loss of vehicular control culminated in a devastating accident at the Ojodu Berger axis of Lagos.

The tragic incident transpired while the LASTMA officer was en route to commence his afternoon duty, underscoring the perilous consequences of careless driving on public roads.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the ill-fated trailer, bearing Bauchi State registration number KTG 33 ZZ, originated from Agidingbi by Oba Ogunji Road en route to Omole Junction in the Ogba corridor when the driver, operating at an alarmingly high velocity, lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a catastrophic collision.

The sheer impact of the crash inflicted severe trauma on the LASTMA officer, leading to a grievous fracture of his right leg and hand. Upon emergency medical assessment at the Surgical Emergency Centre of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), attending specialists determined that the extent of the injuries necessitated an immediate amputation of his right leg.

In a brazen attempt to evade justice, the culpable trailer driver absconded from the scene. However, through the concerted efforts of security operatives from Ojodu Police Station, in collaboration with vigilant LASTMA officials, he was swiftly apprehended.

Reacting to the tragic occurrence, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, promptly visited the hospitalized officer at LASUTH, vehemently condemning the incident and emphasizing that such a calamity could have been averted had the driver exercised due diligence and adhered to fundamental road safety protocols.

He admonished trailer and truck operators, alongside all motorists, to uphold a heightened sense of safety consciousness, stressing the inestimable value of human life.

“LASTMA officers are not adversaries to motorists; rather, they are dedicated to ensuring that traffic flows seamlessly, thereby fostering economic growth and urban efficiency in Lagos State,” he asserted.

Expressing profound sympathy, Mr. Bakare-Oki extended his sincerest wishes for the officer’s swift recovery, while reaffirming LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing road safety and ensuring orderliness on Lagos highways.

Adebayo Taofiq

Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA