A newly married couple and 16 others were rescued on Saturday following a harrowing multiple-vehicle accident on Lagos’ iconic Third Mainland Bridge.
The collision, which occurred near Ilaje, heading towards Iyana Oworonsoki, involved a commercial LT bus and a mini truck.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) coordinated the rescue effort alongside other emergency response agencies.
According to LASTMA, the newlyweds were returning to the mainland after celebrating their union at the Ikoyi Marriage Registry.
Their joyful day turned tragic when their bus collided with a mini truck that had mechanical difficulties.
LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, attributed the crash to a brake failure on the LT bus.
“The bus was travelling at excessive speed when it rammed into the mini truck,” Taofiq revealed.
He added that the truck was moving slowly due to its mechanical issues, making it impossible for the bus to avoid the collision.
The impact left the couple and 16 others trapped and severely injured.
Of the 16 passengers in the rear of the bus, 11 were women and five were men.
These victims suffered various degrees of injuries and were immediately rushed to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Toll Gate.
The situation for the passengers seated at the front was even more critical.
Trapped in the mangled wreckage, they endured severe fractures to their limbs.
“They were extricated with the combined efforts of LASTMA personnel, emergency responders, and concerned bystanders,” Taofiq confirmed.
From there, they were transferred to the Gbagada General Hospital for specialised treatment.
The Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASABUS) played a key role in swiftly transporting the injured to medical facilities.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit (LRU) also provided critical support during the operation.
Law enforcement officers from the Alonge Police Station and Lagos State Task Force operatives maintained order throughout the rescue.
The scene was chaotic as distressed bystanders gathered to watch emergency workers battle to save lives.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sympathy for the victims.
“We wish the injured a speedy recovery,” he said.
Bakare-Oki also issued a stern warning about the dangers of reckless driving.
“It is important that we observe speed limits and maintain vehicles, particularly the braking system, to prevent such tragedies,” he stressed.
LASTMA has recently intensified its public safety campaigns to curb such incidents.
Mr. Bakare-Oki noted the efforts of LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps in educating commercial bus drivers on road safety during the festive season.
“Our campaigns target safe driving practices and regular vehicle checks to ensure roadworthiness,” he stated.
The accident underscores the urgent need for vigilance and adherence to traffic regulations, especially during busy periods like December.
While the quick response of emergency agencies saved lives, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking on Lagos’ roads.
Residents have called for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and greater oversight of commercial bus operators.
