LASTMA Stops Commuters From Drinking Spilled Beer After Lagos Crash

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has stopped commuters from drinking beer that spilled onto the road after a truck laden with alcoholic drinks crashed at Abalti Barracks, inward Ojuelegba, Lagos.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when the beer-laden Fuso truck reportedly lost control while attempting to avoid a vehicle ahead of it. The truck subsequently hit a dispatch rider before colliding with two other vehicles.

The LASTMA Public Relations Officer, Adebayo Taofeeq, said the truck was travelling at high speed and that the driver failed to brake early enough.

According to him, the driver, in an attempt to avoid a head-on collision with the vehicle in front, swerved but struck the dispatch rider and subsequently crashed into another vehicle.

The vehicles involved were identified as a Lexus Jeep with registration number LXR 960JS, a Hyundai Jeep with registration number KTU 12JS and a dispatch motorcycle with registration number AAA 151QT.

Taofeeq said the dispatch rider sustained serious injuries and was rescued by LASTMA officials, who subsequently ensured that he received medical attention.

He added that LASTMA personnel worked with the police to manage the accident scene and prevent the incident from causing further traffic disruption.

The crash took an unusual turn after several bottles of beer being transported by the truck fell onto the roadway. Some members of the public reportedly rushed to pick up the unbroken bottles and drink the contents.

Taofeeq said LASTMA officials intervened immediately they arrived at the scene, stopping people from consuming the spilled drinks.

Some commuters were also said to have stopped on their way to work to drink the beer, while others reportedly brought plastic containers to collect the spilled contents.

LASTMA later cleared the accident scene to restore the free flow of traffic and prevent further incidents.

In a statement on its official X account, the agency confirmed that the crash involved a Fuso truck loaded with beer, a Lexus Jeep, a Hyundai Jeep and an Okada.

The agency said its personnel were deployed to manage the situation, while policemen were also on the ground. Officials of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority were equally engaged in clearing broken bottles from the roadway.

LASTMA urged motorists to exercise caution while approaching the area and obey traffic regulations.

Taofeeq also used the incident to reiterate the agency’s Ember Months road-safety campaign, warning motorists against reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.

He said the campaign, which commenced on September 1, was introduced in view of the increased movement and road activities associated with the Ember Months.

The LASTMA spokesperson also announced a free emergency hotline, 3367, for members of the public to report road crashes, reckless driving and other emergencies requiring the agency’s intervention.

He urged motorists and other road users to remain responsible and cooperate with traffic officials to ensure safer roads during the Ember Months.