A middle-aged man was killed late Saturday night in a lone accident under the Alaka Bridge, Surulere, Lagos, while allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, the incident occurred around 11:45 pm and involved a navy-blue Toyota Camry with registration number EKY 311 GK.
The driver was said to be heading toward Iponri when he lost control of the vehicle near the Alaka Under Bridge.
Eyewitnesses told officials that the speeding vehicle somersaulted several times before coming to a halt, leaving the driver dead on the spot.
Operatives of LASTMA’s newly launched 24-hour Night Operations Squad, stationed in the Surulere corridor, promptly arrived at the scene to manage traffic and secure the area.
In a statement released on Sunday, LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed that preliminary findings and on-site forensic evidence indicated the deceased 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 commended the swift intervention of the night patrol officers, who prevented a secondary crash, coordinated rescue operations, and alerted officers from the Bode Thomas Police Division.
The police later documented the scene and handed over the remains to the victim’s wife and relatives, who were contacted through his recovered mobile phone.
Describing the incident as “a tragic yet sobering reminder of the deadly consequences of intoxicated driving,” the LASTMA boss urged motorists to exercise caution and responsibility, especially during the Ember Months, a period often associated with increased road traffic and heightened accident risks.
Bakare-Oki recalled that the agency had recently concluded its Ember Months Stakeholders’ Forum, themed “Safe Roads, Safe Lives… LASTMA Cares,” where it emphasized stronger campaigns against drunk driving and renewed commitment to public safety and accident prevention.
He reiterated that LASTMA’s 24-hour operations were designed not only to enforce traffic laws but also to ensure rapid emergency response and protect lives across the state.
“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 added.
