A newlywed couple and 16 other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries following a multi-vehicle accident on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos, on Saturday.
Henzodaily gathered that the couple had been returning from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry when the incident occurred.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident in a statement, revealing that the accident was caused by a brake failure on a commercial LT bus, which collided with a mini truck.
According to Taofiq, the mini truck, bearing the number plate ‘AGL 22 YE’, and the LT bus, with registration number ‘BFG 204 XF’, were involved in the collision.
The LT bus, which was reportedly speeding, lost control after its brakes failed and rammed into the mini truck, which was moving slowly due to a mechanical fault.
Taofiq 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.”
The collision left 16 passengers in the rear of the LT bus—comprising 11 women and 5 men—with serious injuries.
The injured victims were promptly transported to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Toll Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for urgent medical treatment.
Taofiq disclosed that two passengers were trapped in the wreckage of the LT bus and suffered severe injuries.
It took the combined efforts of LASTMA personnel, emergency responders, and concerned bystanders to extricate them. They were later taken to Gbagada General Hospital for further medical attention.
LASTMA Calls for Caution on Lagos Roads
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy for the victims and wished them a speedy recovery.
Speaking through Adebayo Taofiq, Bakare-Oki stressed the need for motorists to adhere to speed limits and ensure their vehicles, particularly braking systems, are in good working condition to avoid such tragic incidents.
He also highlighted the ongoing safety campaign led by LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps, which aims to educate drivers—especially commercial bus operators—on the importance of safe driving ahead of the festive season.
“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 responders at the scene included LASTMA personnel, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), and the Nigeria Police Force. Their swift intervention ensured the prompt evacuation of the injured and restored order to the busy bridge.
The incident serves as a reminder for drivers to maintain their vehicles, drive responsibly, and comply with traffic regulations to prevent accidents on Lagos roads.