-Deborah Akinyosoye
A newly wedded couple who were returning from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry alongside 16 other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries following a multi-vehicle collision on Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos State on Saturday.
This was confirmed in a statement by the spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, on Saturday.
Taofiq stated that the accident occurred when an LT bus developed brake failure while at speed and collided with a mini truck.
The impact of the collision was said to have led to the occupants of both vehicles sustaining varying degrees of injuries including fractured limbs.
He identified the vehicles involved as a mini truck with number plate AGL 22 YE and a commercial LT bus with number plate BFG 204 XF.
Taofiq said, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, in collaboration with emergency response agencies, today orchestrated the successful rescue of 18 individuals involved in a serious vehicular collision on the Third Mainland Bridge, near Ilaje, heading towards Iyana Oworonsoki.
“Among the victims were a newlywed couple returning to the mainland from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry.
“The accident, which involved a mini truck (AGL 22 YE) and a commercial LT bus (BFG 204 XF), was attributed to a brake failure on the LT bus, which was travelling at excessive speed. The bus collided with the mini truck, which was moving slowly due to mechanical difficulties.
He added that two of the victims suffered severe injuries after being trapped in the wreckage of the LT bus and “Were extricated with the combined efforts of LASTMA personnel, emergency responders, and concerned bystanders. These victims were later rushed to Gbagada General Hospital for specialised treatment.”
Reacting to the incident, the LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy for the injured victims while urging road users to always exercise caution on the highway.
Bakare-Oki who spoke through Taofiq stressed that the ongoing enlightenment by the LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps is aimed at promoting safety on Lagos roads ahead of the festivity.
“Expressing deep sympathy for the injured, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, wished them a speedy recovery.
He also underscored the importance of observing speed limits and maintaining vehicles in optimal condition, particularly the braking system, to prevent such tragedies.
“Mr Bakare-Oki 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,” Taofiq stated.
Emergency responders at the scene of the incident, according to Taofiq, were LASTMA personnel, LASEMA, LASAMBUS and the police.