The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has reported that a Toyota Camry with registration number KJA 126 BH veered off the upper deck of the Otedola Bridge and plunged onto the lower level.
LASTMA's General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos. The statement was signed by the agency's Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Mr Taofiq Adebayo.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the female driver, while travelling at excessive speed, abruptly applied her brakes upon noticing another vehicle manoeuvring into the service lane ahead of her,” the statement said.
“This sudden deceleration destabilised her vehicle, causing it to veer uncontrollably and ultimately fall off the bridge, leaving her critically injured.”
It further stated that LASTMA personnel, along with members of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Rapid Response Squad, quickly arrived at the scene.
“The victim was successfully extricated from the wreckage and promptly transported to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for immediate medical attention,” it added.
Bakare-Oki emphasised the critical importance of adhering to speed limits and highway regulations. He noted that a significant number of road traffic accidents stemmed from reckless driving and a disregard for established safety protocols by both private and commercial motorists.
“This unfortunate incident could have been entirely avoided had the driver complied with statutory speed regulations,” he said.
“We therefore urge all road users to exercise greater caution and uphold the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 in the collective interest of public safety.”
