Eighteen persons, including a newlywed couple returning from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry, were rescued from a ghastly motor accident on the Third Mainland Bridge, near Ilaje, inwards Iyana-Oworonsoki in Lagos on Saturday.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident in a statement, attributing the crash to brake failure on a commercial LT bus traveling at high speed.
The bus reportedly collided with a mini truck, resulting in severe injuries to passengers in both vehicles. According to Taofiq, the accident left victims with various degrees of injuries, including fractured limbs.
Taofiq disclosed the vehicles involved as a mini truck with number plate AGL 22 YE and an LT bus with number plate BFG 204 XF.
He said, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, in collaboration with emergency response agencies, today orchestrated the successful rescue of 18 individuals involved in a serious vehicular collision on the Third Mainland Bridge, near Ilaje, heading towards Iyana Oworonsoki.
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“Among the victims were a newlywed couple returning to the mainland from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry.
“The accident, which involved a mini truck (AGL 22 YE) and a commercial LT bus (BFG 204 XF), was attributed to a brake failure on the LT bus, which was travelling at excessive speed. The bus collided with the mini truck, which was moving slowly due to mechanical difficulties.”
Providing further details, Taofiq stated, “A total of 16 passengers seated in the rear of the LT bus, 11 women and 5 men, sustained significant injuries and were swiftly transported to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Toll Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for urgent medical care.”
Two passengers trapped in the LT bus were extricated by a combined effort from LASTMA personnel, emergency responders, and bystanders. Taofiq added, “These victims were later rushed to Gbagada General Hospital for specialised treatment.”
Expressing his concern, LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended his sympathy to the injured victims and urged motorists to exercise caution on Lagos roads.
Bakare-Oki, through Taofiq, said, “Expressing deep sympathy for the injured, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, wished them a speedy recovery. He also underscored the importance of observing speed limits and maintaining vehicles in optimal condition, particularly the braking system, to prevent such tragedies.
“Mr. Bakare-Oki further highlighted the intensified public enlightenment campaigns led by LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps, which aim to educate motorists—especially commercial bus operators—on safe driving practices before, during, and beyond the festive season.”
Emergency response agencies present at the scene included LASTMA, LASEMA, LASAMBUS, and the police.
