Drunk Driving: Speeding Motorist Dies in Fatal Crash on Iponri Bridge, Lagos — LASTMA Warns Against Intoxicated Driving

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A yet-to-be-identified driver lost his life late Saturday night after his vehicle somersaulted several times along the Iponri Bridge in the Lagos Island area. Authorities suspect the fatal crash was caused by excessive speeding and alcohol intoxication.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.

According to the statement, the accident occurred around 11:45 p.m. on Saturday when the driver of a Navy Blue Toyota Camry (registration number EKY 311 GK) lost control of the vehicle while driving inward Iponri, near the Alaka Under Bridge in Surulere.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle was travelling at an excessively high speed when the driver lost control and somersaulted repeatedly, resulting in a fatal impact that claimed his life instantly,” Taofiq said.

“Eyewitnesses and forensic evidence gathered at the site also confirmed that the deceased was under the influence of alcohol, which impaired his judgment and reaction time,” he added.

Taofiq explained that members of LASTMA’s 24-hour Night Patrol Team responded swiftly to the scene, secured the area to prevent further incidents, and alerted officers from the Bode Thomas Police Division. The victim’s remains were later released to his family after proper documentation by the police.

Reacting to the development, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and emphasized the urgent need for motorists to avoid driving under the influence.

“This tragic incident is a sobering reminder of the fatal consequences of intoxicated driving,” Bakare-Oki said.
“We urge all motorists to remain vigilant, responsible, and safety-conscious, especially during the Ember Months when road crashes typically increase.”

Bakare-Oki reiterated that the agency is intensifying its “Ember Months Safety Campaign”, which focuses on curbing drunk driving, over-speeding, and reckless road behavior that contribute to avoidable fatalities.

Statistics from LASTMA reveal that between January and September 2025, Lagos recorded 1,006 road crashes, resulting in 87 deaths and 666 injuries.
Both LASTMA and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have consistently warned that the final months of the year often witness heightened crash risks due to unsafe driving practices, intoxication, and poor visibility during night hours.