Driver, Passenger Injured As SUV Plunges Into Canal In Lagos

A driver allegedly distracted by the use of a mobile phone while driving narrowly escaped death after his vehicle plunged into a canal at the Mowo axis inward Badagry along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the lone accident involved a Lexus Jeep with registration number JJJ 19 KK.

According to preliminary investigations, the driver reportedly lost concentration while operating a mobile phone behind the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the expressway before somersaulting into the canal.

LASTMA disclosed that excessive speeding further contributed to the severity of the crash.

Officials of the agency, alongside personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), immediately launched a rescue operation at the scene.

The driver reportedly sustained severe internal injuries, while a female passenger suffered a fracture to her left arm.

Both victims were rescued from the wreckage and rushed to Ola-Oki Medical Facility in Ibereko, inward Badagry, for urgent medical attention.

LASTMA officials also carried out evacuation and recovery operations to remove the damaged vehicle from the canal and prevent secondary accidents along the busy highway.

The agency noted that traffic flow along the corridor remained largely uninterrupted due to the prompt deployment of traffic officials to the area.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reiterated warnings against speeding, reckless driving and the use of mobile phones while driving.

“It is profoundly disheartening that despite sustained public enlightenment campaigns and continuous road safety advocacy by the government, some motorists still engage in the dangerous practice of operating mobile phones while driving,” he said.

Bakare-Oki urged motorists to remain focused while driving, obey speed limits and comply with traffic regulations to avoid preventable accidents and loss of lives.