A road crash that occurred along Kudirat Abiola Way by Clay Bus Stop, inward Radio Junction on Awolowo Way, Ikeja, on Monday, has left one person critically injured.
The accident happened when a Toyota Highlander, with registration number SMK 343 JV, driving against traffic, collided head-on with a commercial mini-bus (Korope) with registration number MUS 662 YG.
Preliminary investigations by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) revealed that the Highlander, which was being driven at high speed through a one-way corridor, rammed into the oncoming mini-bus, leaving the bus driver unconscious and both vehicles severely damaged.
According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, operatives of the Agency arrived at the scene swiftly and carried out emergency rescue operations. “Our officers immediately rescued the unconscious mini-bus driver, administered first aid, and arranged for his transfer to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention,” he said.
Adebayo added that security operatives from the Alausa Police Division were invited to take over the case for further investigation, while the accidented vehicles were evacuated — the Highlander to the LASTMA yard in Alausa and the mini-bus to the Alausa Police Division. He noted that LASTMA officers temporarily cordoned off the scene to prevent secondary accidents and ensure smooth traffic recovery.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the reckless act of driving against traffic, describing it as a “conscious act of lethal negligence tantamount to attempted manslaughter.”
He said:
“Driving in the opposite direction of traffic is as deadly as wielding a weapon. Any motorist who willfully violates the one-way restriction is not merely breaching the law but deliberately endangering the lives of innocent road users. Such behaviour will continue to attract the most severe sanctions under the law.”
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strict enforcement of traffic regulations and warned motorists against any act of indiscipline on the roads. He commended LASTMA operatives for their quick response and professionalism and wished the injured mini-bus driver a speedy recovery.
