Passenger Dies After Jumping Off Moving Bus in Lagos

A passenger has died after jumping from a moving commercial bus that crashed into a median pole at Ogunlana Junction, inward Ojuelegba, in the Surulere area of Lagos.

The incident involved a commercial Volkswagen bus with registration number LND 130 XR, which reportedly veered into a median pole near the Fallout area.

Preliminary reports indicated that the driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and had been driving recklessly shortly before the crash.

Motorists approaching from behind reportedly had to exercise caution to avoid colliding with the erratically driven vehicle.

Amid the ensuing confusion, a male passenger reportedly jumped from the moving bus in an apparent attempt to escape. He sustained severe injuries after hitting the ground and later died from the injuries.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, who were conducting routine traffic surveillance along the Ojuelegba axis, responded to the scene after noticing the crash.

The officials immediately secured the area, introduced emergency traffic management measures and removed the damaged vehicle and the deceased passenger from the carriageway.

The response helped to reduce the risk of a secondary collision and further danger to other road users.

Security personnel from the Area C Police Division, Ojuelegba, also provided security at the scene, while emergency officials evacuated the remains of the deceased.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as a reminder of the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and the use of mechanically defective vehicles.

He urged commercial and private motorists to conduct comprehensive checks on their vehicles before embarking on journeys, particularly the braking system, tyres, steering and other critical safety components.

Bakare-Oki also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to prompt response to road incidents, effective traffic management and the protection of lives on Lagos roads.

He urged members of the public to promptly report accidents, vehicle breakdowns, traffic obstructions and other incidents requiring emergency traffic intervention.