353 rescued in Lagos road crashes in five months — LASTMA

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has said it rescued 353 victims from various road traffic crashes and emergency incidents across the state between January and May 2026.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this while reviewing the operational performance of the agency’s Rescue and Emergency Response Unit.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the LASTMA Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, on behalf of Bakare-Oki, the rescued victims comprised 207 adult males, 137 adult females and nine male children.

Bakare-Oki said the feat underscored the agency’s commitment to preserving lives through prompt emergency interventions across the state.

He, however, urged motorists, commercial transport operators, motorcyclists and other road users to exercise greater caution as rainfall intensifies across Lagos.

The LASTMA boss noted that the rainy season often increases the risk of road crashes due to poor visibility, slippery road surfaces, flooding and mechanical failures.

“The rescued victims comprised 207 adult males, 137 adult females and nine male children, all of whom benefited from the prompt, professional and life-saving interventions of LASTMA personnel deployed to accident and emergency scenes across the state.

“While we take pride in the successful rescue of 353 individuals within the first five months of the year, these incidents equally serve as a poignant reminder of the need for greater caution and responsibility on our roads, particularly during the ongoing rainy season,” Bakare-Oki stated.

He added that many of the crashes could have been avoided through responsible driving and adherence to traffic regulations.

“A considerable number of these crashes could have been prevented through responsible driving habits, strict adherence to speed regulations, maintenance of safe driving distances, avoidance of reckless overtaking and routine vehicle maintenance,” he said.

Bakare-Oki advised motorists to ensure that critical vehicle components, including brakes, tyres, windscreen wipers, lighting systems and steering mechanisms, are in good condition before embarking on journeys during adverse weather conditions.

He also warned against speeding during rainfall, noting that wet roads significantly increase braking distances and reduce tyre grip.

The LASTMA general manager further cautioned motorists against driving through flooded sections of roads without first assessing the depth and condition of such areas.

According to him, such actions often result in accidents, vehicle breakdowns and other avoidable emergencies.

He commended members of the agency’s Rescue and Emergency Response Team for their professionalism and dedication and acknowledged the support of other emergency responders, healthcare workers and security agencies.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed the administration’s commitment under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to strengthening emergency response services through personnel training, the acquisition of modern rescue equipment, and enhanced collaboration among relevant agencies.

He urged road users to embrace safety consciousness, patience and discipline while using the state’s road network.

“Every life preserved is of immeasurable value. We therefore urge all motorists to make safety their foremost priority during this rainy season.

“Strict compliance with traffic regulations and responsible road conduct remain the most effective safeguards against avoidable tragedies and needless loss of lives,” he said.

The appeal comes amid warnings by the Lagos State Government about the likelihood of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and rising water levels in some parts of the state during the peak of the rainy season.