A yet-to-be-identified driver suspected to be driving under the influence of alcohol has been hospitalised following a road crash in the Ebute-Ero area of Apongbon, Lagos State. The accident, which involved a private vehicle and a truck, occurred in the early hours of Sunday and caused serious concern among road safety officials.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr Adebayo Taofiq. According to the statement, preliminary investigations showed that the driver was speeding when he rammed into the back of a moving truck while descending a bridge in the area.
Taofiq explained that the driver, who was alone in the vehicle, lost control due to excessive speed and possible intoxication. The crash left the vehicle badly damaged and the driver trapped inside the wreckage with serious injuries.
“Preliminary security findings indicate that a male motorist, believed to be heavily intoxicated, was operating a Honda Jeep with registration number FKJ 562 JF at a dangerously excessive and uncontrollable speed,” Taofiq said. “He forcefully crashed into the rear of a moving Scania truck while descending the bridge.”
He added that the impact of the collision was severe, leaving the driver critically trapped and creating a life-threatening situation that required urgent attention.
According to LASTMA, officers on duty quickly responded to the distress call and arrived at the scene within a short time. The rescue team worked carefully to free the injured driver from the crushed vehicle.
“The violent impact of the collision left the driver critically trapped within the mangled wreckage of his vehicle,” Taofiq said. “In a swift demonstration of professionalism and efficiency, LASTMA rescue personnel promptly mobilised to the scene and carried out a delicate emergency extraction.”
After being rescued, the injured driver was handed over to security operatives and immediately taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment. As of the time of the report, his condition had not been officially disclosed.
To prevent further accidents, LASTMA officers cordoned off the area, while police operatives provided support to manage traffic and ensure the safety of other road users. The damaged vehicles were later cleared to restore free flow of traffic in the busy Apongbon axis.
The Ebute-Ero and Apongbon areas are known for heavy traffic, especially during the day, due to their closeness to markets, commercial centres, and major connecting roads in Lagos Island. Although the accident occurred early in the morning, officials said the situation could have been worse if it had happened during peak hours.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, described the crash as avoidable. While wishing the injured driver a speedy recovery, he strongly condemned the behaviour that led to the accident.
Giwa warned that driving under the influence of alcohol remains one of the leading causes of road accidents in the state and across the country. He said such actions put not only the driver at risk but also other innocent road users.
“Drinking and driving is one of the most dangerous forms of road indiscipline,” Giwa said through the LASTMA statement. “It endangers the life of the driver and exposes other road users to serious harm and possible loss of life.”
He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws and improving road safety. According to him, the state will continue to take strong action against reckless driving and other violations that threaten lives and property.
Road safety has remained a major concern in Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city and commercial hub. With millions of vehicles on the roads daily, traffic accidents are common, often caused by speeding, drunk driving, poor vehicle condition, and disregard for traffic rules.
The Lagos State Government, through agencies such as LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Lagos State Safety Commission, has continued to run awareness campaigns to educate drivers on safe road use. Despite these efforts, cases of drunk driving and speeding are still reported regularly.
LASTMA officials say alcohol affects judgment, reaction time, and control, making drivers more likely to cause accidents. They warn that even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving ability, especially at high speeds or on busy roads.
In recent years, Lagos has introduced stricter enforcement measures, including spot checks, patrols, and penalties for traffic offenders. Vehicles involved in serious violations are often impounded, and offenders may face fines or prosecution.
Residents and road safety advocates have continued to call for tougher punishment for drunk drivers, arguing that warnings alone are not enough. Some have also urged the government to expand night patrols and increase the use of breathalyser tests to detect intoxicated drivers.
Sunday’s crash has renewed calls for drivers to act responsibly and obey traffic laws. Many Lagos residents say accidents like this are avoidable if motorists exercise patience and avoid driving after consuming alcohol.
A commercial driver in the area, who witnessed the aftermath of the crash, said he was not surprised by the incident. “People drink and still drive like nothing will happen,” he said. “This place is busy, even early in the morning. One mistake can kill many people.”
Another resident praised LASTMA for their quick response, saying the rescue team prevented a possible death. “If they delayed, the man might not have survived,” she said.
As Lagos continues to grow, experts say road safety must remain a top priority. They stress that while government agencies have a role to play, drivers must also take personal responsibility for their actions on the road.
The Lagos State Government has again urged motorists to avoid alcohol before driving, obey speed limits and follow traffic rules at all times. Officials say protecting lives remains the top goal, and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated.