LASTMA Rescues Five Injured as Truck Crashes Into Two Buses at Berger
…Accident causes traffic gridlock extending to Otedola Bridge
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued five critically injured passengers following a collision involving a 40-foot HOWO truck and two commercial buses at Berger Bus Stop, inward Kara Bridge, along the Ojodu axis of Lagos State.
The accident, which occurred on Tuesday, involved an interstate commercial Mazda bus and a Toyota Hiace bus conveying passengers. It caused significant traffic congestion along the corridor, with vehicular queues extending to Otedola Bridge.
According to LASTMA, the heavy-duty truck, reportedly travelling out of Lagos, rammed into the two passenger buses, leaving several occupants seriously injured.
LASTMA operatives stationed around the Ojodu-Berger axis swiftly mobilised to the scene and rescued five critically injured victims, comprising three women and two men, including the driver.
The victims were evacuated from the wreckage and transported by Good Samaritans, accompanied by LASTMA officials, to the Lagos State Emergency and Trauma Centre at the Toll Gate for urgent medical attention.
Security personnel from Isheri Police Station also supported the rescue operation by providing security at the scene.
Following the collision, LASTMA officials coordinated the removal of the vehicles involved, including the articulated truck, from the carriageway to prevent further accidents and facilitate the restoration of normal traffic flow.
The agency subsequently handed over the vehicles to the police for investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and any necessary legal action.
Despite the initial traffic gridlock, LASTMA personnel remained on the affected corridor, directing motorists and managing vehicular movement to ease congestion and restore traffic flow.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy with the injured passengers and wished them a speedy and full recovery.
Bakare-Oki stressed the need for motorists to observe traffic regulations and exercise caution on the roads, particularly operators of articulated trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.
He also emphasised the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and roadworthiness, noting that reckless driving, mechanical defects and loss of control could result in serious road traffic crashes.
The LASTMA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives, reducing road traffic incidents and ensuring uninterrupted mobility across Lagos State.
He urged truck operators and other motorists to prioritise safety, remain vigilant and comply with traffic directives issued by LASTMA officials to prevent avoidable accidents.
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department
Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA)