TheNewsGuru

Tag: LASTMA

  • Lagos accident claims 6 lives

    Lagos accident claims 6 lives

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says six persons lost their lives in an accident that occurred at Ibeju, Lekki-Epe Expressway.

    The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

    Bakare-Oki said nine other persons who sustained varying degrees of injury were rescued by the authority in collaboration with other emergency agencies.

    “The deceased comprised two adult males, three adult females and one minor,” he added.

    According to him, the nine injured survivors, three males and six females, were extricated by LASTMA with support from other emergency responders.

    “They were immediately conveyed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Epe and Hammond Hospital for urgent medical attention.

    “The remains of the deceased were deposited at the FMC morgue, pending formal identification by their bereaved families,” he said.

    He added that four individuals escaped unhurt from the wreckage of the tragic incident.

    Bakare-Oki said the victims were promptly attended to by the LASTMA Rescue Unit in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC).

    “Their collaborative efforts ensured rapid evacuation and immediate restoration of order at the scene,” he said.

    Bakare-Oki said preliminary investigations revealed that the accident, which involved a blue Volvo FL6 truck conveying wooden planks and a white commercial bus (AKD 336 YD), was caused by speeding and reckless driving.

    The general manager extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and decried the persistent menace of reckless driving on Lagos highways.

    He reiterated LASTMA’s age-long caution that “speed thrills, but ultimately kills.”

    The LASTMA boss admonished motorists to cultivate the virtues of patience, discipline, and defensive driving.

    He noted that speeding endangers not only the life of the driver but also the safety of passengers and other unsuspecting road users.

    He urged motorists to strictly comply with traffic regulations, avoid distractions and maintain full concentration behind the wheel, particularly during the “Ember Months.”

  • Fire guts plank market near LPG gas station

    Fire guts plank market near LPG gas station

    A fire has been reported near a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) station in the Badia Railway area of Apapa, Lagos State.

    According to reports, the fire began near the Plank Market, directly behind the LPG gas station, around 12:35 PM.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), which confirmed the incident, reported that emergency responders are currently conducting rescue operations at the scene.

    Additionally, LASTMA personnel are directing vehicles away from the affected area.

    “Report of a fire outbreak at Badia Railway, near the Plank Market, behind the LPG gas station.

    “Firefighters and other emergency responders are already on the scene carrying out rescue operations.

    “Our personnel are also on ground to manage and facilitate traffic flow around the affected area,” LASTMA stated on X.

  • Panic as bus catches fire on Third Mainland Bridge

    Panic as bus catches fire on Third Mainland Bridge

    Traffic has partially been diverted on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos after a bus was gutted by fire.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) had to divert vehicles to two lanes inward Oworoshoki, following the incident that occurred around 3:58 p.m on Tuesday, August 19th.

    In the footage shared on social media, captured motorists heading toward Oworoshoki being directed to the remaining two lanes on the right, while traffic officials managed the situation on site.

    Confirming the development, LASTMA said efforts were ongoing to extinguish the fire and advised motorists to drive with caution.

    “Report of a burning bus on Third Mainland bridge by Ilaje inward Iyana Oworo with men on ground managing the traffic situation,” the agency posted on its social media handle.

    “Effort is ongoing to put out the fire. Please drive with caution on approach,” LASTMA added.

  • Bridge rehabilitation: LASTMA sends message to Lagos motorists

    Bridge rehabilitation: LASTMA sends message to Lagos motorists

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations as the state commences the second phase of the Ogudu-Ifako bridge rehabilitation.

    The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

    “The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of the second phase of extensive rehabilitation works on the Ogudu-Ifako Bridge in Kosofe Local Government Area, following the successful completion and reopening of the first phase.

    “This second phase, which entails the holistic restoration of the bridge’s expansion joints inbound Lagos Island, is scheduled to extend from Aug. 19 through Oct. 1.

    “Conscious of the attendant implications for vehicular circulation, government has meticulously designed traffic diversions that will mitigate disruption and sustain commuter convenience,” he said.

    Bakare-Oki disclosed that motorists commuting along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway/Lagos Toll Gate axis inbound Oshodi and Victoria Island would be subjected to a controlled diversion at the Ogudu-Ifako Bridge.

    He said that, in this regard, vehicular traffic would be streamlined into a single lane approximately 50 metres before the designated work zone, with full access restored 50 metres beyond the construction site.

    He said that motorists destined for Oshodi could advantageously use the Ojota Slip Road, seamlessly linking to Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Taxi Park).

    “Motorists bound for Victoria Island may conveniently divert through Ojota Slip Road, merging onto Ikorodu Road inbound to Anthony (by Town Planning Way), then connecting to Gbagada and accessing the Third Mainland Bridge inbound to Lagos Island.

    “An additional alternative exists via Ikorodu Road inbound to Funsho Williams Avenue, affording direct ingress to Eko Bridge en route to Lagos Island,” he said.

    He advised motorists originating from Ikeja and adjoining precincts to traverse through Maryland, connect with Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue, and thereafter proceed via Eko Bridge to Outer Marina and adjoining corridors.

    “Alternatively, they may link Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Taxi Park) to Oshodi and pursue their onward destinations,” he said.

    According to the LASTMA boss, officers have been strategically deployed across the affected corridors to ensure vehicular fluidity, enforce lane discipline and guarantee swift operational response to emergencies.

    He appealed for the unwavering cooperation of road users, stressing that strict adherence to the traffic advisory and full compliance with the directives of LASTMA personnel were essential for maintaining order during the rehabilitation exercise.

    Bakare-Oki disclosed that mini and heavy-duty towing apparatus, together with other requisite road infrastructure, had been strategically stationed along diversion routes and critical intersections within the metropolis.

    “This will promptly address breakdowns, vehicular mishaps or other exigencies, while also guiding motorists appropriately,” he said.

  • Tricycle operator killed in Egbe bridge collision

    Tricycle operator killed in Egbe bridge collision

    A Toyota Venza driver, registration number GWA 659 RD, fled an accident scene after killing a tricycle operator at Egbe Bridge summit, inward Ikotun, Lagos.

    The General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

    The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.

    According to Bakare-Oki, the driver, in an act of cowardice and moral dereliction, fled the scene after realising the devastation caused by his impatience and reckless driving.

    “Law enforcement authorities have launched a concerted manhunt to apprehend the fugitive motorist and subject him to the full rigours of the law,” he said.

    He said preliminary findings indicated the Toyota Venza approached from the Ejigbo axis, attempting a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre atop the bridge.

    He added that the vehicle collided with an oncoming tricycle, locally known as a “Marwa”, registration number EPE 245 QM, travelling from Ikotun.

    The violent collision killed the tricycle operator instantly, while two passengers – one male and one female – sustained serious injuries, including multiple fractures.

    LASTMA personnel rescued the injured from the wreckage, after which Ikotun Police officers took them to the General Hospital, Isolo, for urgent treatment.

    Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and wished the injured passengers a quick and full recovery.

    Reaffirming LASTMA’s commitment to road safety, Bakare-Oki urged motorists to be vigilant and ensure roads are clear before overtaking, especially on elevated roads and bridge crests.

    “This tragic incident is a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of impatience and blatant disregard for traffic laws,” he said.

    He stressed the need for discipline, foresight, and strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent avoidable tragedies on Nigeria’s roads.

  • Many injured as Truck rams into commercial bus in Lagos

    Many injured as Truck rams into commercial bus in Lagos

    At least five passengers sustained severe injuries on Friday when a truck collided with a commercial bus at Toyota Bus Stop, inward Oshodi, Lagos.

    It was gathered that the truck laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, was traveling at excessive speed before it lost control due to brake failure, crashing into the moving bus.

    One of the victims, who is in a critical condition, was rushed to a nearby medical facility by a Good Samaritan, while ambulances from the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency’s Rescue Unit (LRU) transported the remaining four victims to a hospital for urgent medical attention.

    The victims were rescued by emergency responders.

    Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, said the accident occurred during the peak hour.

    “Preliminary findings by security operatives from Oloto Police Station revealed that the PMS-laden tanker, travelling at perilously excessive speed, suffered a sudden and catastrophic brake failure. In a desperate bid to avert impending disaster, the driver lost all operational control, resulting in a ferocious collision with the moving, fully loaded commercial bus — an impact of such violent intensity that it left multiple occupants grievously injured.

    “The collision inflicted severe injuries upon five individuals — two males, three females, including the bus driver — all of whom were rescued alive through the decisive, swift, and highly professional intervention of LASTMA operatives,” Adebayo said in a statement.

  • Lagos seals club for traffic regulations violation

    Lagos seals club for traffic regulations violation

    The Lagos State Government has sealed the premises of Vaniti Club House over protracted and deliberate infractions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

    The General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in a statement made available on Monday in Lagos.

    Bakare-Oki said the move was an assertion of its steadfast dedication to preserving public order and ensuring the seamless mobility of persons and vehicles within the metropolis.

    He said the enforcement action carried out at the club house located on Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, was meticulously executed by the Agency’s Rescue and Compliance Unit.

    “This was done due to the club’s habitual and defiant infringement of established traffic laws particularly its persistent facilitation of illegal roadside parking and flagrant encroachment upon public highways.

    “These actions have not only disrupted traffic flow but have posed substantial risks to public safety.

    “The Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, unequivocally proscribes any acts that obstruct vehicular movement or imperil the safety of road users, categorising such conduct as a grievous statutory offence liable to punitive legal sanctions,” he said.

    He said despite a series of exhaustive sensitisation efforts including sustained public enlightenment campaigns, direct stakeholders engagements, and multiple official warnings the management of Verniti Club House had remained intransigent.

    He added that they choose to perpetuate acts that undermine the operational integrity of the state’s traffic ecosystem, particularly within the high-traffic corridor of Victoria Island.

    “Consequently, the state government has invoked its full regulatory powers to seal the premises indefinitely.

    “This directive shall remain in effect until the establishment unequivocally demonstrates total and verifiable compliance with all extant traffic laws and ancillary regulatory frameworks.

    “This enforcement initiative is not a one-off occurrence. It marks the beginning of a broader and sustained compliance campaign.

    “We are actively monitoring other clubs, event centres, lounges, and recreational facilities particularly those that persist in impeding traffic flow by commandeering public roads and adjoining streets for private use,” he said.

    He said the Lagos State Government, via LASTMA, reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward any person, corporate body, or social enterprise that constituted an impediment to traffic orderliness or endangers the commuting public.

  • Lagos orders psychiatric test for traffic offenders

    Lagos orders psychiatric test for traffic offenders

    The Lagos State Government has directed the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to ensure that the 18 motorists apprehended for driving against traffic flow (one-way) undergo mandatory psychiatric evaluation.

    The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

    The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.

    Bakare-Oki described the move as a strategic effort to curb the menace of one-way traffic violations in Lagos.

    “This directive is part of a multi-faceted approach to restore road discipline, ensure public safety, and maintain order on Lagos roads.

    “The Lagos State Government views this measure as a preventive and restorative step, rather than a punitive one, aimed at rehabilitating errant drivers and deterring potential violators,” he said.

    He disclosed that LASTMA had finalised prosecutorial frameworks for the immediate arraignment of 18 vehicle owners recently apprehended for willfully driving against traffic flow.

    He added that as part of their prosecution, each offender, would be required to undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to assess their cognitive fitness and behavioral disposition.

    Bakare-Oki noted that this initiative reflects global best practices in advanced traffic psychology and behavioral enforcement.

    “The enforcement of psychiatric assessment is not intended to stigmatise or punish, rather, it is a necessary intervention designed to protect the general motoring public from individuals who exhibit reckless disregard for human life and lawful order,” he said.

    He said in spite of the ongoing public enlightenment campaigns and education efforts, a significant number of road users continue to disregard traffic laws, contributing to fatal collisions, congestion, and infrastructural degradation.

    Bakare-Oki said the state government was resolute in its commitment to ending this menace and ensuring that traffic laws are respected.

    “LASTMA reaffirms its dedication to the rule of law, public enlightenment, and sustained infrastructural harmony.

    “All residents and road users are strongly advised to comply with traffic directives, embrace lawful conduct, and contribute to the creation of a safe, efficient, and sane Lagos,” he said.

  • Brake failure crash kills woman in Ikorodu

    Brake failure crash kills woman in Ikorodu

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says a woman died after two iron-rod-laden Iveco trucks collided in Ita Oluwo, Ikorodu.

    LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos.

    He said the woman, trapped between the articulated trucks, was extricated with help from LASTMA and Lagos Fire and Rescue Service officials.

    Others who assisted include the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) and officers from the Nigeria Police Force.

    Bakare-Oki said officers from Ogijo Police Division evacuated the victim and took her to the Ogun State University Teaching Hospital mortuary in Sagamu.

    He said the crash caused serious injuries, wrecked vehicles, and prompted a swift response by emergency services at the scene.

    “Preliminary findings by LASTMA revealed that the accident resulted from brake failure on one of the trucks, YA 701 AAA, which was reportedly speeding.

    “The out-of-control vehicle rammed into another truck on the same route, triggering a high-impact collision.

    The force of the crash severely mangled both vehicles and sparked panic among road users and local residents,” he said.

    Bakare-Oki offered condolences to the victim’s family, calling the crash a grim reminder of dangers linked to vehicle faults and driver recklessness.

    “This tragic event underscores the pressing need for strict adherence to road safety measures, especially among operators of heavy-duty and cargo-laden trucks,” he said.

    He lamented that avoidable incidents like this persist due to mechanical neglect and careless speeding by operators.

    He affirmed the Lagos Government’s commitment to enforcing road safety laws, especially in cases where public safety is threatened by negligence.

    Bakare-Oki urged haulage companies to enforce regular mechanical checks and ensure drivers are certified and mentally fit before handling freight vehicles.

    “Roadworthiness is not optional but a duty for anyone operating high-risk transport vehicles,” he said.

  • Man escapes death as Truck crushes minivan in Lagos

    Man escapes death as Truck crushes minivan in Lagos

    A man narrowly escaped death on Saturday morning when a container truck crushed a Toyota Sienna minivan along the Idi-Iroko inbound Maryland axis of Ikorodu Road, Lagos.

    Adebayo Taofiq, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), disclosed that the accident occurred around 1:30 a.m. after the truck suffered a brake failure while moving at high speed, causing the driver to lose control.

    The container it was carrying detached and toppled onto the minivan, completely crushing it.

    Officials from LASTMA, who responded swiftly to emergency calls, led a late-night rescue operation.

    The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was miraculously rescued alive and immediately treated by personnel of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).

    “The LASTMA midnight surveillance and rescue unit responded swiftly to distress calls. Upon arrival, officers employed an array of high-grade rescue apparatus and executed a painstaking extraction operation.

    “Their valiant and highly synchronized efforts led to the miraculous rescue of a male occupant who had been pinned within the wreckage of the minivan and was treated by Operatives of LASAMBUS,” Adebayo said in a statement.

    However, the driver of the truck fled the scene, reportedly fearing mob attack or prosecution under the assumption that the accident was fatal.

    The mangled minivan was later towed to the Anthony Police Station, while the truck and its dislodged container were impounded and moved to LASTMA’s operational headquarters for further investigation.

    Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the rescue team for their swift response.

    Bakare-Oki called on all truck drivers and operators to adhere strictly to safety standards and traffic regulations to prevent similar occurrences.

    “This deeply distressing incident highlights, yet again, the perilous consequences of mechanical laxity, reckless driving, and habitual speeding on our thoroughfares.

    “We therefore issue an urgent appeal to all truck operators to uphold the highest safety standards and adhere strictly to extant traffic regulations to forestall further avoidable disasters,” he said.

    Bakare-Oki also wished the rescued victim a speedy recovery.