No fewer than eight persons were injured in a crash involving a commercial long bus, commonly known as Molue, which collided with the road median at the Ahmadiya axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway on Friday.
The accident occurred when the driver attempted to avoid hitting pedestrians standing at a bus stop.
According to a statement from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the incident took place as the vehicle, registered as KTU 801 XM, veered off its lane and lost control.
The driver, reportedly impatient and driving at high speed, made a sharp maneuver to avoid colliding with another commercial bus and pedestrians. The abrupt steering led the bus into the median, where it overturned, causing injuries to both passengers and the driver.
LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq confirmed that eight people sustained injuries, including five males and three females.
Among the injured was the driver, who suffered a fractured left arm. Emergency responders from LASTMA and the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) swiftly arrived at the scene to assist the victims.
“Officers from LASTMA promptly executed a well-coordinated and efficient rescue operation,” said Taofiq. “All victims were immediately transferred to the Ile-Epo General Hospital for urgent medical attention.”
The injured passengers, who sustained varying degrees of injuries, were transported by LASAMBUS personnel to the hospital. Taofiq further emphasized the importance of adherence to traffic regulations and safe driving practices, particularly regarding speed limits.
In reaction to the crash, LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed sympathy for the victims and urged motorists to prioritize safety at all times. He stressed the critical importance of obeying speed limits and following traffic laws to prevent accidents.
Bakare-Oki also called on both commercial and private vehicle operators to ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles, especially the brakes, to avoid avoidable incidents. “Maintaining the integrity of vehicles, particularly vital safety systems, is crucial to ensuring the safety of all road users,” he added.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of speeding and driver impatience on busy roads, particularly in areas where pedestrians are frequently waiting for transportation.
With road safety continuing to be a major concern in Lagos, authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution and respect traffic laws to prevent further accidents.
