One dies, 8 injured in auto crash on Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos

One person died while eight others sustained different degrees of injuries in a tragic and fatal head-on collision on Monday, involving two Mazda commercial buses, with registration number LND 624 YE / EKY 804 YH, on the Third Mainland Bridge, near Ilaje, en route Iyana-Oworonsoki.

Swift intervention by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, however, facilitated the rapid rescue of eight passengers, all of whom suffered severe fractures.

The injured were immediately taken to Gbagada General Hospital for urgent medical care, by the Lagos State Ambulance Services, LASAMBUS.

Police units from Bariga and Alonge Police Stations responded swiftly in providing critical security support during the rescue operation, ensuring order and expediting the efforts to restore normalcy.

Following further investigations, the immediate cause of the accident was attributed to mechanical failure, (Brake failure) and overspeeding which subsequently led to loss of control and the eventual crash of the bus behind into the one in front, claiming the life of the driver.

Reacting to the fatal crash, General Manager, LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to ensuring road safety and implored all motorists to strictly observe speed regulations and exercise caution while driving.

“The harrowing incident, which unfolded as both buses recklessly engaged in a high-speed chase from Adeniji Adele serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of irresponsible driving practices,” he stated.

Bakare-Oki extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured a swift and full recovery.

In a related development, another accident occurred earlier, involving a Honda CRV (AKD 743 HV), which overturned on the Third Mainland Bridge near the UNILAG waterfront, also inbound Iyana-Oworonsoki.

The crash, attributed to excessive speeding, resulted in no casualties.

“LASTMA personnel acted swiftly to clear the wreckage, preventing any further obstruction to the free flow of traffic on the bridge,” Bakare-Oki stated.