LASTMA debunks report its van crushed pregnant woman to death

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has said that a report on social media claiming its operational van crushed a pregnant woman to death is false.

LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, on Tuesday debunked the report via a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

“The story as presented by online media was not the true position of what transpired today at MRS Filling Station on Kodesoh Road, Ikeja,” Taofiq said.

“The statement that a pregnant woman was crushed to death by a LASTMA Van during a ‘Korope’ chase was not true as she was confirmed not to be pregnant before being discharged from LASUTH with her husband.”

Taofiq clarified that preliminary investigation revealed that a mini commercial bus (korope) driver upon sighting a LASTMA Patrol Van in front of MRS Filling Station queuing to fuel up, drove dangerously and a passenger sitting by the door which was not closed fell down from the ‘Korope’ and was immediately rushed to LASUTH for medical treatment due to minor injuries she sustained.

Investigation further revealed that the woman was not dead as reported but only sustained minor injuries which have been treated at LASUTH, and was finally discharged.

Taofiq added that the matter was immediately reported at the Area’F’ Divisional Police Station for further investigation.

“Consequently, the Management of LASTMA enjoined all commercial bus operators to always ensure safety of their passengers by having their vehicle door closed while on motion as enshrined in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform (2018),” he said.