The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority(LASTMA) has denied the involvement of staff of the agency in the commercial bus accident that happened at MRS Filling Station on Kodesoh Road, Ikeja.
According to a statement made available to Itrybe, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA Mr. Adebayo Taofiq said the report presented by online media was not the true position of what transpired as investigations revealed that a mini commercial bus (korope) driver upon sighting a LASTMA Patrol Van in front of MRS Filling Station queuing to fuel up, drove dangerously and a passenger sitting by the door which was not closed fell down from the ‘Korope’ and was immediately rushed to LASUTH for medical treatment due to minor injuries she sustained.
The statement reads thus, “The attention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority LASTMA has been drawn to the above-captioned story published/circulating by online media (@SamzyVG & @ToyosiGodwin) today Tuesday, 29th of August, 2023.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that a mini commercial bus (korope) driver upon sighting a LASTMA Patrol Van in front of MRS Filling Station queuing to fuel up, drove dangerously and a passenger sitting by the door which was not closed fell down from the ‘Korope’ and was immediately rushed to LASUTH for medical treatment due to minor injuries she sustained.
“The investigation further revealed that the woman was not dead as reported but, only sustained minor injuries which has been treated at LASUTH, and was finally discharged.
“The statement that a pregnant woman was crushed to death by a LASTMA Van during a ‘Korope’ chase was not true as she was confirmed not to be pregnant before being discharged from LASUTH with her husband.
“The matter was immediately reported at Area ‘F’ Divisional Police Station for further investigation.
“Consequently, the Management of LASTMA enjoined all commercial bus operators to always ensure safety of their passengers by having their vehicle door closed while on motion as enshrined in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform (2018)”.
