By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
Two persons trapped in a commercial bus were rescued by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) following a multi-vehicle accident at Ogudu-Alapere inward Toll-Gate in Lagos on Sunday.
The victims, identified as the driver and a passenger of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, were rescued after the vehicle somersaulted following a collision with a 12-tyre DAF articulated truck.
According to a statement by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, the crash caused a major obstruction on the busy corridor.
The statement said LASTMA officials on patrol responded swiftly to the scene, activated emergency rescue procedures and successfully extricated the trapped victims from the wreckage.
The injured victims were subsequently handed over to officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) for medical treatment.
Personnel of the Ketu Division of the Nigeria Police Force provided security and crowd control during the rescue operation, while traffic officers diverted vehicles and evacuated the damaged vehicles to restore normal traffic flow.
Commending the rescue team, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the operation as a demonstration of the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring public safety.
He urged motorists, especially operators of articulated trucks and commercial vehicles, to obey traffic regulations, practise defensive driving and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy at all times.
Bakare-Oki also reminded road users that road safety is a collective responsibility requiring vigilance, patience and discipline.
