Driver sets self, LASTMA officer, bus ablaze to escape arrest

Driver sets self, LASTMA officer, bus ablaze to escape arrest

A yet-to-be identified driver of a commercial bus has set ablaze himself, his bus and a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer.

The driver was allegedly attempting to evade arrest over traffic offence.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who confirmed the incident, said it happened on Tuesday morning.

Bakare-Oki stated: “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has been made aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, license plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest.

“This shocking incident happened on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression by LASTMA officials.

“The vehicle had been intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile-2 area.

“In the course of arrest, the driver and his conductor erupted into a frenzy, resorting to pouring petrol on LASTMA personnel and engaging in hostile confrontations and physical attacks against officers present.

“The injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

“LASTMA reiterates its unwavering commitment to preserving order and ensuring the safety of Lagos roads, as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.”

He, however, strongly urged all commercial and other drivers to comply fully with traffic regulations and respect the authority of LASTMA personnel.

“LASTMA will not condone any form of violence or intimidation and will take firm and decisive action against those responsible,” Bakare-Oki vowed.