A tragic accident on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos has resulted in one fatality and four injuries. The crash, involving a J5 Ford bus and a Mercedes truck, occurred in the early hours of Monday, December 16, at Ilubirin, inward Sura, causing severe traffic disruptions.
Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), led by General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, quickly responded to the scene. With help from bystanders, they managed to rescue four individuals from the wreckage, three of whom survived the ordeal.
One victim, who was trapped in the J5 Ford bus loaded with pepper and other perishable goods, was later confirmed dead. Preliminary investigations indicated that the bus, registered FKJ 724 YC, suffered brake failure while traveling at high speed, leading to the collision with the Mercedes truck, FKJ 746 YC.
Emergency teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Police, and LASAMBUS joined LASTMA at the scene to assist in managing the situation. The injured were promptly transported to Lagos Island General Hospital for medical treatment.
LASTMA officials worked to clear the wreckage and spilled goods, helping to restore normal traffic flow along the bridge.
Mr. Bakare-Oki offered condolences to the family of the deceased and stressed the importance of road safety, especially with the festive season approaching. He urged drivers, particularly those operating heavy-duty vehicles, to avoid speeding and ensure their vehicles are well-maintained before embarking on long journeys.
“This incident highlights the dangers of faulty braking systems and excessive speeding,” said Bakare-Oki. “Motorists must prioritize safety to prevent such tragic accidents.”
