Lagos: 670 Crash Victims Rescued in Nine Months – LASTMA

In the past nine months, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has responded to 1,409 road traffic accidents and successfully rescued 670 victims, according to the agency's latest report. The interventions were aimed at decreasing casualties, improving emergency response, and ensuring safer roads throughout the state.

LASTMA officers are strategically positioned at accident scenes to rescue victims, investigate incidents, manage traffic flow, and prevent secondary collisions, all while facilitating access for emergency services. General Manager Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki emphasized the agency's dedication to enhancing emergency response, increasing public awareness, and promoting adherence to traffic regulations.

He highlighted the importance of prompt reporting of road crashes and collaboration among various emergency response agencies, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and others, in reducing casualties. Bakare-Oki urged motorists to adhere to traffic rules, such as observing speed limits, obeying traffic signals, wearing seat belts, and maintaining roadworthy vehicles.

The LASTMA boss also cautioned against distracted driving and reckless maneuvers, stressing that responsible driving was crucial in preventing avoidable accidents. He called upon commercial transport operators, private motorists, and pedestrians to follow traffic regulations, report crashes and other incidents via LASTMA's toll-free short code 3367, and collectively take responsibility for safety.

Road accidents often lead to fatalities, severe injuries, financial losses, and emotional distress for victims and their families. Bakare-Oki urged road users to exercise caution and share the responsibility for safety, stating that LASTMA would continue its rescue operations, inter-agency collaboration, and public awareness campaigns.