Our officials did not crush pregnant woman to death: LASTMA

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority LASTMA has rebuffed a report that its officials crushed a pregnant woman to death while chasing a mini commercial bus.

An online platform (not PM News) had earlier reported that a pregnant woman was crushed to death today at MRS Filling Station on Kodesoh road, Ikeja.

Preliminary investigation however revealed that the report was not true.

According to investigation, the 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 has been treated at LASUTH, and was finally discharged.

Clarifying the incident, LASTMA spokesman Adebayo Taofiq added that: “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 discharged from LASUTH with her husband.

“The matter was immediately reported at 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).”