Eric Patrick
Seven commercial bus passengers narrowly escaped death in a multi-vehicle collision that occurred along the Sabo-Itokin Expressway in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
First News learnt that the accident occurred when a reckless driver rammed into two commercial vehicles along the road.
This was made known in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, shared on LASTMA’s X account on Thursday.
According to the statement, an unidentified driver, riding a Lexus Jeep with registration number KSF 879 JR, had attempted a dangerous manoeuvre, leading to loss of control.
The Lexus driver was said to have rammed into the commercial vehicles, thereby causing injuries to seven passengers.
The statement read, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has confirmed a catastrophic multiple-vehicle collision involving two painted commercial buses and a Lexus 330 Jeep (registration number: KSF 879 JR) along Lejina inward Adamo on Sabo-Itokin Express Road, resulting in severe injuries to seven passengers.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of the Lexus Jeep, who absconded immediately after the incident, engaged in a perilous and unlawful overtaking manoeuvre on the highway.
“Upon suddenly encountering an oncoming heavy truck, he attempted a desperate re-entry into his lane but lost control, violently colliding with the two fully loaded commercial buses.
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“In an expeditious response, LASTMA personnel, in synergy with security operatives from the Area N Police Division, swiftly secured the accident scene, managed traffic disruptions, and facilitated the full evacuation of the wrecked vehicles to restore normalcy.
“All injured passengers were urgently conveyed to the General Hospital in Ikorodu for immediate medical intervention by officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Services.
“The government has strategically positioned road signs to guide motorists and ensure orderliness on our highways. Drivers must exercise utmost vigilance and confirm absolute clearance before attempting to overtake, as recklessness on the road can have devastating consequences.”
Taofiq noted that LASTMA remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing road safety and will intensify its enforcement of traffic laws to safeguard lives and property across Lagos State.
Also confirming the incident to First News correspondent on Friday, a victim who identified himself only as Ademola Taoreed said that he was a passenger of the bus, adding that he had a slight injury, but he is currently under treatment.
“I am an electrician, and I do most of my jobs around Alapere and Ketu; yesterday, I was on my way home, and I entered the bus that had the accident from Mile12,” it was terrible, but God saved us because we narrowly escaped death, he said.
