A suspected case of drunk driving triggered a serious accident in the early hours of the weekend in the Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos, leaving four passengers severely injured and reigniting concerns about road safety among commercial drivers.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the incident involved a fully loaded commercial bus with registration number KTU 69 YJ, which veered off the road and crashed head-on into a streetlight pole near a busy intersection.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver, allegedly intoxicated, lost control of the vehicle, causing a violent collision that left the bus crumpled and passengers in panic. Among the most severely injured were a middle-aged couple seated mid-row, as well as a male and female passenger whose identities were not disclosed.
LASTMA officials on patrol near the scene quickly sprang into action, coordinating with the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) to stabilize the wounded before transferring them to the Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate.
“No lives were lost, but four victims sustained serious injuries, while others escaped with minor bruises or shock,”confirmed LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq.
The Lagos State Police Command, through its Alausa Division, cordoned off the crash site to facilitate rescue efforts and preserve critical evidence for further investigation.
In a statement, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the recklessness of intoxicated driving and vowed to intensify enforcement across Lagos motor parks and terminals.
“This was entirely avoidable,” he said. “Driving under the influence is a deadly gamble. Our Monitoring and Surveillance Unit is actively working to educate commercial drivers and curb this dangerous trend.”
He extended heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured passengers and reminded both drivers and passengers to prioritize safety at all times.
As the affected passengers receive treatment, the incident stands as another grim reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible driving in Nigeria’s busiest metropolis.
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