By Atlantic Reports

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it responded to 1,409 road traffic crashes and rescued 670 victims between January and September 2026.

The authority’s General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed the figures in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.

He said operatives attended crash scenes to rescue victims, manage traffic, prevent secondary collisions and create access for other emergency responders.

The figures represent LASTMA’s reported interventions. The statement did not establish the total number of crashes across Lagos during the period or provide a comparison with previous years.

Coordinated Emergency Response

Bakare-Oki said the authority worked with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Service, State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

According to him, traffic diversions and the clearance of obstructions helped restore movement around crash scenes while supporting emergency operations.

He commended personnel for working in hazardous conditions and said LASTMA would strengthen its response capabilities, public education and collaboration with other agencies.

However, the statement did not provide response-time data, the severity of victims’ injuries or their outcomes after rescue. The reported rescue figure therefore does not, by itself, establish a reduction in crash-related deaths.

Motorists Urged to Reduce Risks

Bakare-Oki urged drivers to observe speed limits, obey traffic signals, wear seat belts and keep their vehicles roadworthy.

He also cautioned against distracted driving and reckless manoeuvres, calling on private motorists, commercial transport operators, dispatch riders and pedestrians to obey traffic directives.

The general manager said crashes could leave families facing bereavement, disabling injuries, financial losses and lasting emotional distress.

He encouraged road users to report crashes, obstructions and other incidents requiring intervention through the authority’s stated toll-free short code, 3367.

“LASTMA remains resolute in advancing proactive incident response, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and sustaining road safety advocacy,” he said.

The agency’s figures highlight the demands on emergency responders across Lagos. A fuller assessment of road safety outcomes would require data on fatalities, serious injuries, response times and changes in crash frequency.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.