LASTMA launches manhunt as motorist flees after knocking man down in Lagos

A motorist was left in a pool of blood after an unidentified driver allegedly fled the scene of a hit-and-run crash around Ketu, inward Ojota, Lagos.

A statement by Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, said the incident occurred over the weekend, with officers rescuing the critically injured victim and securing the accident scene.

The victim was found alive but in critical condition after suffering multiple traumatic injuries, including severe fractures and a serious head injury.

According to LASTMA, the unidentified motorist struck the victim and fled, leaving him helpless and unattended at the scene.

LASTMA officers who arrived at the scene quickly secured the area, controlled traffic and took steps to prevent further danger to the injured victim and other road users.

The victim was still breathing when the officers arrived but required urgent and specialised medical attention.

The officers immediately alerted the Lagos State Ambulance Service, LASAMBUS, whose medical personnel arrived at the scene to assess the victim and determine the appropriate emergency response.

Following their assessment, the medical personnel reportedly expressed serious concern over the extent of the victim’s injuries, particularly the multiple fractures and severe head trauma.

They noted that the victim required a medical facility with the capacity and specialised resources to provide comprehensive trauma care.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the alleged abandonment of the victim by the unidentified motorist.

He described the action as reprehensible and irresponsible, stressing that motorists involved in crashes have a moral and legal duty to stop, assess the situation, contact emergency responders and, where possible, assist injured persons.

“The decision by a motorist to flee the scene of a crash, particularly where another person has sustained life-threatening injuries, is deeply reprehensible and could have devastating consequences.

“In emergencies of this nature, every second is consequential. While our officers remain committed to responding swiftly to road crashes and other emergencies, members of the public must also demonstrate a corresponding sense of responsibility by promptly alerting the appropriate emergency agencies and cooperating with responders,” Bakare-Oki stated.

He also appealed to eyewitnesses, motorists and members of the public with credible information that could help identify and apprehend the fleeing motorist to provide such information to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.