The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued an eight-month-old baby from a multiple collision along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The incident occured at Otedola, inward tollgate.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
He said that four pedestrians were severely injured following the collision.
According to him, the incident involved four automobiles including a Hydra truck with registration number APP 261 FA, an LT commercial bus number EPE 574 YC, a Ford vehicle number GG 283 XQ, and an unregistered Mark flat-body truck.
“Preliminary findings by security personnel indicate that the four severely injured pedestrians one of whom bore the eight-month-old baby securely strapped to her back, were attempting to traverse the expressway when the LT commercial bus, speeding, rammed into them.
“The force of the impact precipitated a secondary chain collision involving the remaining vehicles, including the unregistered Mark truck,” he said.
He said that in a coordinated operation, LASTMA officers promptly extricated the infant, who by extraordinary providence, emerged entirely unscathed despite the magnitude of the collision.
The LASTMA boss said that the remaining four victims, who sustained grievous injuries, were immediately stabilised, and taken to the Lagos State Accident & Emergency Centre, for medical intervention.
“Security personnel from the Alausa Police Station, furnished unwavering operational support throughout the rescue effort, safeguarding responders and maintaining situational order at the scene.
“Additionally, all wrecked vehicles were meticulously cleared from the roadway by LASTMA personnel, thereby reinstating unhindered vehicular movement inward tollgate,” he said.
LASTMA sympathised with the injured victims, and wished them speedy recoveries.
Meanwhile, the authority reiterated its call on pedestrians, to use the pedestrian bridges made available by government.
