LASTMA rescues 670 accident victims in nine months

…As Agency records 1,409 road crash interventions in Lagos

By Adebola Muili

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued 670 accident victims following 1,409 road traffic crash interventions across the state in nine months, reaffirming its commitment to road safety and emergency response.

The figures were disclosed by the agency in a statement issued by the Director of its Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

According to LASTMA, the interventions reflect its continued efforts to reduce crash-related casualties, facilitate prompt emergency response and improve traffic management across Lagos State.

The agency said its operatives routinely respond to road crash scenes to assess incidents, rescue victims, divert traffic and prevent secondary collisions. Such interventions also help ease congestion, restore traffic flow and provide access for other emergency response agencies.

The rescue of 670 victims, LASTMA said, highlights the humanitarian dimension of its responsibilities, with personnel working under hazardous and unpredictable conditions to assist accident victims.

The agency added that its operatives collaborate with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other relevant emergency responders during rescue operations.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening its incident-response capacity, intensifying public enlightenment and promoting compliance with traffic regulations.

Bakare-Oki stressed the importance of prompt reporting of road crashes and effective collaboration among emergency response agencies in reducing casualties and improving road safety.

He urged motorists to observe speed limits, obey traffic signals, wear seat belts and ensure their vehicles were roadworthy. He also cautioned against distracted driving and reckless manoeuvres that could endanger lives.

The LASTMA general manager called on private motorists, commercial transport operators, dispatch riders and pedestrians to exercise caution, obey traffic directives and promptly report road crashes, obstructions and other incidents requiring the agency’s intervention.

He said such incidents could be reported through LASTMA’s toll-free short code, 3367.

Bakare-Oki noted that road crashes often result in deaths, serious injuries, economic losses and emotional trauma for affected families.

He urged road users to comply with traffic regulations, conduct regular vehicle inspections and adopt safe driving practices to prevent avoidable accidents.

LASTMA reiterated its commitment to improving emergency response, strengthening collaboration with other agencies and sustaining road safety campaigns, stressing that the protection of lives on the roads requires the cooperation of all road users.