The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, on Monday reported that a Toyota Camry with registration number KJA 126 BH, veered off the upper deck of the Otedola Bridge in Lagos and plunged onto the lower level.
The report was made by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in a statement issued the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Mr Taofiq Adebayo.
Said he: “Preliminary findings indicate that the female driver, while traveling at excessive speed, abruptly applied her brakes upon noticing another vehicle manoeuvering into the service lane ahead of her.
“This sudden deceleration destabilised her vehicle, causing it to veer uncontrollably and ultimately fall off the bridge, leaving her critically injured.”
Personnel of LASTMA, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Rapid Response Squad, were said to arrive at the scene to carry out the necessary rescue operation.
She was “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,” the LASTMA boss said.
“This unfortunate incident could have been entirely avoided had the driver complied with statutory speed regulations.
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“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,” he said.
Bakare-Oki, while expressing heartfelt wishes for the swift recovery of the injured motorist, reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to maintaining safety and order across the state’s road network.
He said, “The public is strongly encouraged to report incidents of traffic violations, vehicular breakdowns, emergencies, or road accidents through LASTMA’s dedicated toll-free hotline: 0800-005-27862 (0800-00-LASTMA).”
