A tragic accident on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge early Monday, December 16, claimed one life and left four others injured. The collision, involving a J5 Ford bus loaded with pepper and a Mercedes truck, occurred at Ilubirin, inward Sura, causing heavy traffic disruptions. Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials, led by General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, arrived swiftly to rescue four victims, three of whom survived.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the J5 Ford bus, with registration number FKJ 724 YC, suffered a brake failure while speeding, leading to the crash with the Mercedes truck (FKJ 746 YC). Sadly, one person trapped in the bus died at the scene. Emergency response teams, including LASTMA, the Lasema Response Unit (LRU), and the FRSC, worked together to manage the situation and rush the injured to Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment.
The accident also caused significant disruption as LASTMA officials cleared the wreckage and spilled goods to restore normal traffic flow. Mr. Bakare-Oki extended condolences to the bereaved family and urged motorists to prioritize road safety, emphasizing the heightened risks during the festive season.
“This tragic incident underscores the dangers of excessive speeding and poorly maintained vehicles,” Bakare-Oki said. He appealed to drivers, especially those operating heavy-duty vehicles, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to exercise caution to prevent future tragedies.
