In an incident that serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life on the road, a mother and her young son narrowly escaped death after their Lexus SUV somersaulted multiple times at the NYSC bus stop in Lagos.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the accident was a lone but serious crash. The Lexus Jeep, with registration number KJA 39 JT, was travelling from Isheri towards Igando when the unthinkable happened. The driver suddenly lost control, causing the hefty vehicle to violently overturn three times before it finally came to a rest, crumpled and mangled, amidst the early morning traffic.
The aftermath was chaotic, but what followed was a swift and coordinated response that undoubtedly saved lives. LASTMA officials who were nearby rushed to the scene. With the vehicle badly damaged, they worked quickly to extract the two occupants—the mother and her son. Miraculously, both survived with only visible bruises and mild injuries, a fortunate outcome that seemed almost impossible given the state of their car.
Their swift rescue was crucial in preventing a tragedy. The Nigeria Police Force from the Igando Division also arrived promptly to control the growing crowd of onlookers and secure the area, allowing emergency personnel to work without obstruction.
Thankfully, the family of the victims was alerted and soon arrived to take the shaken but alive duo to receive proper medical attention.
To restore order and prevent further danger on the busy expressway, LASTMA officials collaborated with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to clear the wrecked SUV from the road. The vehicle was later handed over to the police for a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure.
A Word of Warning from the Authorities
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed his profound relief that no lives were lost in the horrific incident. While wishing the victims a speedy recovery, he took the opportunity to issue a critical warning to all motorists.
He pinpointed the common and often deadly combination of overspeeding and poor vehicle maintenance as the primary culprits behind such serious accidents. His message was clear and direct:
“Excessive speed when compounded by mechanical deficiencies constitutes a dangerous precursor to severe roadway tragedies on major expressways,” Bakare-Oki stated.
He urged all drivers to avoid the temptation of speed and to make a habit of checking their vehicles regularly, paying special attention to vital safety components like brakes, tires, and steering before embarking on any journey.
This incident on the LASU-Isheri road is more than just a news story; it’s a close call that should resonate with every driver. It underscores the life-saving importance of defensive driving, adherence to speed limits, and the non-negotiable necessity of proper car maintenance. Today, a family is counting their blessings. Let their miraculous escape be a lesson that prompts us all to be more cautious on the road.
Drive safely, Lagos.
