A weekend outing turned tragic for several commuters in Lagos as a heavily drunk commercial bus driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a streetlight pole, injuring a couple and other passengers. The incident happened at the Alausa corridor in the Ikeja area of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the accident in a statement released on Sunday by its spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq. According to him, the crash involved a fully loaded painted commercial bus with registration number KTU 69 YJ.
Taofiq revealed that preliminary investigations showed the driver was under the influence of alcohol, which severely impaired his ability to control the vehicle. “The driver was heavily drunk and unable to manage the vehicle properly due to the level of alcohol he had consumed,” the statement said.
Eyewitnesses described the crash as severe, sparking panic among pedestrians and motorists in the area. The bus rammed into a streetlight pole and sustained heavy damage. Several passengers were trapped inside the wreckage.
“A couple seated in the middle row of the bus were among those most seriously injured,” Taofiq said. “Thanks to the swift intervention of LASTMA operatives stationed nearby, four badly injured victims, including the couple and two other passengers—a male and a female—were quickly rescued from the wreckage.”
Emergency responders provided first aid on the scene before transferring the victims to the Lagos State Ambulance Service. They were later taken to the Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for specialized medical care.
“Fortunately, the remaining passengers in the vehicle did not suffer serious injuries,” Taofiq added.
Throughout the rescue operation, officers from the Alausa Division of the Nigeria Police Force maintained order, secured the area, and ensured the safety of both the emergency responders and the public. The accident scene was preserved to support ongoing investigations.
In his reaction to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, strongly condemned drunk driving and expressed deep concern for the victims. He assured the public of the agency’s continued efforts to monitor and crack down on reckless drivers across Lagos roads.
“Drunk driving is not only illegal but also deadly,” Bakare-Oki said. “We are intensifying our surveillance and enforcement activities to ensure the safety of all road users. Our prayers are with the victims, and we wish them a speedy recovery.”
Drunk driving continues to be a major concern in Lagos, contributing to road accidents and loss of lives. Authorities are urging drivers, especially commercial operators, to act responsibly and avoid putting passengers at risk.
The crash adds to a growing list of traffic accidents in Lagos caused by negligence and reckless behavior, highlighting the urgent need for stricter road safety enforcement and public education.
