A middle-aged man died late Saturday night in a lone car crash under the Alaka Bridge in Surulere, Lagos, after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, saying it happened around 11:45 p.m. The crash involved a navy-blue Toyota Camry with registration number EKY 311 GK.
According to LASTMA, the driver was heading toward Iponri when he lost control of the vehicle, which somersaulted several times before coming to a stop. Eyewitnesses said the driver died on the spot.
Operatives from LASTMA’s new 24-hour Night Operations Squad, stationed in the Surulere corridor, arrived quickly to control traffic and secure the scene.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said preliminary investigations showed that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
“Forensic evidence confirmed the victim was under the influence of alcohol, which impaired his judgment and reaction time,” Bakare-Oki said.
He praised the quick response of the night patrol officers, who prevented another accident and coordinated rescue efforts. Officers from the Bode Thomas Police Division were also called in to document the scene.
Bakare-Oki said the police later handed over the body to the victim’s wife and relatives after contacting them through his recovered phone.
Describing the crash as a tragic reminder of the dangers of drunk driving, the LASTMA boss urged motorists to be cautious and responsible, especially during the Ember Months when road accidents are more frequent.
He noted that LASTMA recently held its Ember Months Stakeholders’ Forum with the theme “Safe Roads, Safe Lives… LASTMA Cares,” where campaigns against drunk driving were intensified.
He added that the agency’s 24-hour operations aim to enforce traffic laws and provide fast emergency response to protect lives across Lagos.
“We appeal to all motorists to remain disciplined, obey traffic rules, and avoid reckless behaviour that endangers lives. LASTMA’s presence on Lagos roads, day and night, reflects our commitment to saving lives,” he said.
