A weekend accident involving a commercial bus in the Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos, left a couple and several other passengers injured after the intoxicated driver lost control of the vehicle, according to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
The bus, bearing registration number KTU 69 YJ, was reportedly filled to capacity when it veered off course and slammed into a streetlight pole, suffering severe damage.
In a statement released on Sunday, LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq disclosed that early findings pointed to alcohol impairment as the cause of the accident. He explained that the driver was under the influence, which significantly affected his ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Taofiq described the incident as alarming and said it created a scene of chaos and concern among witnesses. He noted that several occupants were seriously injured, particularly a couple seated in the middle of the vehicle, but LASTMA officers swiftly intervened.
“Thanks to the quick and efficient response of our officers who were stationed nearby, four critically injured individuals — including the couple, a male, and a female passenger — were promptly rescued from the wreck, stabilised, and handed over to the Lagos State Ambulance Service,” he said.
The injured victims were transported to the Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for further treatment, while other passengers reportedly escaped with minor or no injuries.
During the rescue, officers from the Alausa Police Division provided support by securing the area, ensuring both the safety of responders and the protection of the crash site.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the driver’s conduct, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing traffic regulations, and extended well wishes to the injured.
He stressed that surveillance and enforcement efforts would continue to prevent similar incidents and promote safety on Lagos roads.
