A newly married couple returning from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry and 16 other passengers were injured in a multi-vehicle accident on Lagos State’s Third Mainland Bridge on Saturday.
Spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Adebayo Taofiq confirmed the incident in a statement.
According to Taofiq, the accident occurred when an LT bus experienced brake failure while in motion and crashed into a mini truck. The collision left occupants of both vehicles with various injuries, including fractured limbs.
Taofiq identified the vehicles involved as a mini truck with number plate AGL 22 YE and a commercial 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.
“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.
“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.”
He added that two of the victims suffered severe injuries after being trapped in the wreckage of the LT bus and “Were extricated with the combined efforts of LASTMA personnel, emergency responders, and concerned bystanders. These victims were later rushed to Gbagada General Hospital for specialised treatment.”
Reacting to the incident, the LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy for the injured victims while urging road users to always exercise caution on the highway.
Bakare-Oki who spoke through Taofiq stressed that the ongoing enlightenment by the LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps is aimed at promoting safety on Lagos roads ahead of the festivity.
“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,” Taofiq stated.
Emergency services promptly responded to the scene to provide medical assistance. Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.
