LASTMA: Our van didn’t crush pregnant woman to death

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has denied reports that its operational van crushed a pregnant woman to death.

Early on Tuesday, two social media users reported that a pregnant woman was crushed to death after a LASTMA van ran into a mini commercial bus, otherwise known as “Korope” at the Computer Village area of Ikeja.

“One woman was killed this morning in Computer Village. A Lastma van ran into her. I’m hearing she’s pregnant,” one Toyosi Godwin posted on his X account.

Another user, identified as Samzy also wrote: “A yet-to-be-identified woman who is said to be pregnant has been crushed to death after a LASTMA van ran into her during a “Korope” chase in the early hours of Tuesday 29th August 2023.”

But in a response, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA spokesperson, said the reports of the two social media users were incorrect, adding that no life was lost in the incident.

He added that the driver of the minibus took off upon sighting the van of the agency because he had violated traffic laws.

Taofiq said in a statement, that the driver, “drove dangerously and a passenger sitting by the door which was not closed fell down 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,” he added.

 “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.

“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 the safety of their passengers by having their vehicle door closed while in motion.”