Two people were injured on Sunday morning after a mini truck loaded with perishable goods overturned on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. The accident occurred near the University of Lagos (UNILAG) waterfront, inward the Island, causing traffic disruption on one of the busiest bridges in the country.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a series of updates shared on its official social media handle. According to the agency, the mini truck fell on its side while in motion, resulting in injuries to two occupants of the vehicle.
Although details of how the accident happened were not immediately disclosed, eyewitnesses said the truck suddenly lost balance and tipped over, spilling its contents on the road. The goods being transported were described as perishable items, believed to include food products meant for sale within Lagos.
In an earlier update, LASTMA described the incident as a lone accident, meaning no other vehicle was involved. The agency said its officials were quickly deployed to the scene to manage traffic and prevent further complications.
“Video of a lone accident involving a loaded mini truck of perishable goods which fell on its side on Third Mainland Bridge by Unilag waterfront inward the Island with two casualties,” LASTMA stated.
The injured persons were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries. They were attended to at the scene before being moved for further medical care. Their identities were not immediately released, and there was no confirmation on their condition as of the time of filing this report.
Following the accident, traffic built up on the bridge as motorists slowed down to observe the scene. The Third Mainland Bridge is a major route connecting the Lagos mainland to the Island, and any disruption often leads to heavy congestion, especially on weekends.
LASTMA said its officials, with the support of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, took control of traffic to reduce delays and ensure the safety of road users.
“Traffic is under control by our personnel, with the assistance of the Police,” the agency said.
Video footage shared by LASTMA showed the mini truck lying on its side close to the road median. Officials and other workers were seen transferring the spilled goods into another vehicle in an effort to clear the road.
In a later update, LASTMA announced that the truck had been successfully recovered from the road. However, the process of moving the goods was still ongoing at the time of the announcement.
“The vehicle involved in the earlier reported accident on the Third Mainland Bridge by Unilag waterfront inward the Island has been finally recovered,” the agency said.
It added, “Trans loading of the goods is yet to be completed as we await another truck to complete the trans loading.”
The agency explained that a second truck was needed to fully move the remaining goods before the affected lane could be completely cleared and normal traffic flow restored.
Sunday’s accident has again drawn attention to safety concerns on the Third Mainland Bridge. The bridge, which is one of the longest in Africa, carries thousands of vehicles daily, including commercial buses, private cars, and heavy-duty trucks.
Over the years, accidents on the bridge have often been linked to factors such as speeding, mechanical failure, poor vehicle maintenance, and driver fatigue. Traffic authorities have repeatedly warned drivers, especially commercial drivers, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting out.
LASTMA and other agencies have also cautioned drivers transporting goods to properly secure their loads to prevent loss of balance and accidents.
The Lagos State Government has continued to invest in traffic management and road safety measures, including the deployment of LASTMA officials, installation of road signs, and public awareness campaigns. However, accidents still occur, especially on major routes like the Third Mainland Bridge.
Residents and motorists who witnessed the accident expressed relief that the incident did not result in loss of life. Some, however, called for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and regular checks on commercial vehicles.
“This bridge is always busy. Any small accident can turn into a big problem,” a commuter said. “We thank God nobody died, but drivers need to be more careful.”
As of late Sunday morning, traffic had eased gradually as recovery efforts continued. LASTMA advised motorists to remain patient and follow traffic instructions whenever accidents occur.