A tragic accident occurred in Surulere, Lagos, when a passenger leapt from a moving commercial bus and died from injuries sustained in the fall. The incident took place at Ogunlana Junction, inward Ojuelegba, where the bus subsequently crashed into a median pole.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.
According to preliminary reports, the accident involved a Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number LND 130 XR. Witnesses alleged that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and had been driving recklessly before the crash.
“Motorists approaching from the rear exercised caution to avoid collision with the erratically driven vehicle. In the ensuing panic, a male passenger attempted to escape by jumping out of the bus, but sustained severe injuries and tragically died shortly after,” the statement read.
LASTMA officials on routine patrol swiftly responded, securing the accident scene, removing the damaged vehicle, and evacuating the deceased passenger to prevent secondary collisions. Security personnel from the Area C Police Division, Ojuelegba, provided cover, while the State Emergency Management Agency handled the evacuation.
The agency described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving, reckless motoring, and operating mechanically defective vehicles.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended condolences to the bereaved family and reiterated the agency’s commitment to prompt incident response, effective traffic management, and safeguarding lives on Lagos roads. He urged motorists to conduct thorough mechanical checks—particularly on brakes, tyres, and steering systems—before embarking on journeys.
Bakare-Oki further encouraged the public to report traffic-related incidents, accidents, and road obstructions through LASTMA’s toll-free short code 3367.
