Newlywed Couple, 16 Others Injured In Third Mainland Bridge Accident

A newly married couple and 16 other passengers sustained various injuries in a multi-vehicle accident on Lagos State’s Third Mainland Bridge. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday as the couple returned from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry.

Details of the Incident

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the accident in a statement. According to Taofiq, the crash occurred when a commercial LT bus experienced brake failure at high speed and collided with a slow-moving mini truck near Ilaje, heading towards Iyana Oworonsoki.

Vehicles Involved:

Mini Truck: Number plate AGL 22 YE
LT Bus: Number plate BFG 204 XF

The collision resulted in serious injuries for the occupants of both vehicles, including fractures and other trauma.

Rescue Operations

LASTMA, in collaboration with emergency response teams, successfully rescued 18 victims from the scene. Among the injured were:

A newlywed couple returning to the mainland.
16 passengers in the LT bus (11 women and 5 men), many of whom sustained significant 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 immediate treatment.

Severe Cases

Two victims, trapped in the LT bus wreckage, suffered critical injuries. They were extricated through the combined efforts of LASTMA officials, emergency responders, and bystanders. These individuals were later transferred to Gbagada General Hospital for specialized care.

LASTMA’s Response and Safety Advocacy

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sympathy for the victims and wished them a speedy recovery. Through a statement by Taofiq, Bakare-Oki emphasized the need for road users to:

Adhere to speed limits.
Ensure proper vehicle maintenance, especially the braking system.

He also highlighted the ongoing road safety awareness campaigns spearheaded by LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps. These initiatives aim to educate motorists, especially commercial bus drivers, on safe driving practices during the festive season and beyond.