Newly-wed couple, 16 Others Escape Death In Third Mainland Bridge Accident
At least 16 passengers, including newlywed couple, narrowly escaped deaths on Saturday following collision of a commercial bus and a mini truck on Third Mainland Bridge, near Ilaje, heading towards Iyana Oworonsoki axis of Lagos State.
According to an eyewitness, the accident, happened at about 3pm as men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, in collaboration, promptly, raced to the rescue of the victims.
The newlywed couple were returning to the mainland from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry when the near fatal accident occured.
The accident, involved a mini truck (AGL 22 YE) and a commercial LT bus (BFG 204 XF) which was as a result of brake failure on the LT bus, while on high speed.
In the process, the bus collided with the mini truck, which was moving slowly due to mechanical fault.
A total of 16 passengers seated in the rear of the LT bus, comprising of 11 women and five men sustained significant injuries and were swiftly transported to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Toll Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for urgent medical care.
Two additional passengers seated at the front of the LT commercial bus were trapped in the wreckage and suffered severe fractures to their limbs.
They were later extricated with the combined efforts of LASTMA personnel, emergency responders and concerned bystanders. The victims were later rushed to Gbagada General Hospital for urgent treatment.
The Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASABUS) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit (LRU) facilitated the swift evacuation of all casualties to medical facilities.
Expressing deep sympathy for the injured, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, wished them a speedy recovery.
Bakare-Oki, also underscored the importance of observing speed limits and maintaining vehicles in optimal condition, particularly the braking system, to prevent such tragedies.
He further highlighted the intensified public enlightenment campaigns led by LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps, which aim to educate motorists, especially commercial bus operators—on safe driving practices before, during and beyond the festive season.
Bakare-Oki, therefore, urged the public to report traffic incidents, emergencies, or road obstructions by contacting LASTMA’s toll-free hotline.
