LASTMA Rescues Critical Hit-and-Run Victim at Ojota as Driver Flees Scene

 LASTMA Rescues Critical Hit-and-Run Victim at Ojota as Driver Flees Scene

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued a critically injured hit-and-run victim abandoned by an unidentified motorist after being struck along the main carriageway from Ketu inward Ojota, Lagos.

The incident occurred over the weekend when the motorist reportedly hit the victim and fled the scene, leaving him critically injured and unattended.

LASTMA officers who arrived at the scene immediately secured the area, controlled traffic and took steps to prevent further danger to the victim and other road users.

According to the agency, the victim was found lying in a pool of blood with multiple traumatic injuries, including severe fractures and a serious head injury. He was still alive and breathing when the officers arrived but was said to be in a critical condition requiring urgent medical attention.

The officers promptly contacted the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), whose medical personnel arrived at the scene to assess the victim.

Following their assessment, the medical team reportedly expressed concern over the severity of the injuries, particularly the multiple fractures and head trauma, which required treatment at a facility equipped to handle complex trauma cases.

LASTMA officers subsequently remained with the victim while further emergency-response arrangements were explored.

The agency's General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the alleged abandonment of the victim by the fleeing motorist, describing the act as irresponsible and unacceptable.

Bakare-Oki said motorists involved in road crashes have a moral and legal responsibility to stop, assess the situation, contact emergency responders and, where possible, assist injured persons.

He said: “The decision by a motorist to flee the scene of a crash, particularly where another person has sustained life-threatening injuries, is deeply reprehensible and could have devastating consequences.

“In emergencies of this nature, every second is consequential. While our officers remain committed to responding swiftly to road crashes and other emergencies, members of the public must also demonstrate a corresponding sense of responsibility by promptly alerting the appropriate emergency agencies and cooperating with responders.”

The LASTMA General Manager commended the officers involved in the rescue operation for their courage and professionalism, stressing that the agency's rescue and emergency-response responsibilities are focused on protecting lives and reducing the consequences of road traffic crashes.

He also appealed to eyewitnesses, motorists and members of the public with credible information that could assist authorities in identifying the fleeing driver to make such information available to law-enforcement agencies.

LASTMA urged motorists to exercise caution and discipline on Lagos roads, warning against excessive speeding, reckless driving and other behaviours capable of endangering other road users.

The agency also called on members of the public to promptly report road crashes and other emergencies by contacting LASTMA through its toll-free hotline, 3367, or other relevant emergency-response agencies.

LASTMA stressed that the preservation of human life must remain the priority whenever a road crash occurs.