Fatal Third Mainland Bridge Accident: 1 Dead, 4 Injured
A tragic collision involving a J5 Ford bus (FKJ 724 YC) and a Mercedes truck (FKJ 746 YC) on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos has claimed one life and left four others injured. The accident occurred at Ilubirin, inward Sura, on Monday morning.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident through a statement by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.
Details of the Incident
According to LASTMA, the J5 Ford bus, laden with pepper and other perishable goods, suffered a brake failure while traveling at high speed, resulting in a collision with the Mercedes truck.
Rescue operations were led by the LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, with assistance from bystanders and emergency response teams.
“With the support of concerned bystanders, five victims were extricated from the wreckage, four of whom were injured while one tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash,” Taofiq said.
The injured victims were transported to the General Hospital on Lagos Island for urgent medical attention.
Emergency Response
A coordinated effort by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Police Force, LASAMBUS, and LASTMA ensured swift management of the situation.
The LASTMA rescue team cleared the wreckage and spilled goods from the accident site to restore traffic flow along the busy bridge.
Road Safety Advisory
Mr. Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the bereaved family and emphasized the importance of road safety, particularly during the festive season.
He urged drivers, especially those operating heavy-duty vehicles, to regularly inspect their vehicles:
“Drivers must avoid excessive speeding and ensure that their vehicles, most notably the braking systems, are in perfect working condition before setting out.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of inadequate vehicle maintenance and reckless driving, highlighting the need for increased vigilance on Nigeria’s roads.
