Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Monday apprehended a Togolese driver who allegedly knocked down a pedestrian while driving at high speed around the Adeniji Adele intersection, inward Ilubirin, Lagos Island.
According to LASTMA, preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of a Mazda car with registration number EPE 749 GS lost control of the vehicle while driving recklessly and struck a pedestrian who was crossing the road. Witnesses said the impact left the victim critically injured and bleeding profusely.
The motorist reportedly attempted to escape with the vehicle but was chased down and arrested by LASTMA officials, who handed him over to officers of the Adeniji Adele Police Division for further investigation and prosecution.
Emergency officials from the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), activated by LASTMA personnel, rushed the injured pedestrian to the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, where he is receiving urgent treatment.
General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the driver’s conduct and warned motorists against overspeeding, which he described as a leading cause of preventable road accidents in Lagos.
“Excessive speed continues to be a primary precipitant of needless tragedies on our roadways. We urge all drivers to exercise utmost safety consciousness behind the wheel,” he said.
Mr. Bakare-Oki also expressed sympathy to the injured victim, wishing him a quick recovery, while restating LASTMA’s commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring orderliness on the state’s transport corridors.