A woman was seriously injured after being hit by a hit-and-run driver on the Lekki-Epe Motorway in Lagos, and officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, or LASTMA, rescued and evacuated her for urgent medical treatment.
The incident occurred on Monday at the EFF Bus Stop inward Marwa on the Lekki-Epe Motorway, according to a statement published by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department for LASTMA.
According to the agency, the unnamed motorist fled the scene immediately after hitting the victim, leaving her helpless on the busy road with a damaged arm and leg.
LASTMA authorities, who were monitoring and managing traffic in the area, reacted immediately to the occurrence.
The traffic officers protected the woman from further harm, took her away from the road, and called the Lagos State Ambulance Service, or LASAMBUS, for emergency medical assistance.
Officials also implemented traffic control measures at the area to prevent another collision and ensure free passage of cars along the route.
LASAMBUS authorities responded on the scene and took the injured woman to Odan General Hospital, where she was taken for emergency care and medical evaluation.
In response to the incident, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, voiced alarm over the growing incidence of hit-and-run incidents on Lagos highways.
He regarded the behaviour as both morally wrong and illegal by law.
“Every motorist has an inherent civic and moral responsibility to protect the sanctity of human life. Bakare-Oki stated that fleeing the scene of an accident after injuring another road user is not only an abdication of responsibility, but also a serious affront to humanity and the rule of law.
Bakare-Oki underlined the Agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property through effective traffic management and swift emergency response operations throughout the state.
He also praised the coordination between LASTMA officials and LASAMBUS staff, stating that their prompt response was critical in rescuing the victim and resuming normal traffic movement along the motorway.
The organization also recommended motorists to drive cautiously, obey traffic regulations, and report road accidents or emergencies to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible for rapid assistance.