By Ebinum Samuel
The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, led his team and other emergency responders in a swift response to a serious multi-vehicle accident at the New Garage by Odo Iya-Alaro area of Ojota, Lagos, early this morning.
Mr. Bakare-Oki confirmed that the accident, which occurred around 3 am, involved a Volkswagen commercial bus loaded with vegetables and a containerized vehicle that had crashed into a Jersey barrier.
He confirmed further that two (2) victims trapped in the accident (male & female) were successfully rescued alive by LASTMA personnel and other emergency responders.
“The accident was particularly alarming due to ongoing rehabilitation work on the Odo Iya-Alaro bridge,” said Mr. Bakare-Oki.
The rescued victims were immediately transported to the hospital by the Lagos State Ambulance Service.
In a related incident, another loaded tanker also collided with a barrier at the same location very close to the initial accident scene, but fortunately, no casualties were recorded.
All vehicles involved in the accidents were promptly cleared with the assistance of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit (LRU).
Emergency responders at the scene included personnel from LASTMA, LASEMA, the Police, and passersby.
Mr. Bakare-Oki extended his sympathies to the rescued victims and emphasized the importance of safety, urging all motorists, including commercial bus drivers, to avoid speeding during their journeys within or outside Lagos.