One Killed, Four Injured in Bus-Truck Collision on Lagos Third Mainland Bridge

A tragic accident involving a J5 Ford bus and a Mercedes truck on the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge has resulted in one fatality and four injuries.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, December 16, at Ilubirin, heading toward Sura, causing severe traffic disruptions on the busy bridge.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), led by General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, responded swiftly to the scene. With assistance from bystanders, they successfully rescued four victims from the wreckage, three of whom survived.

It was later reported that one individual, trapped in the J5 Ford bus, which was carrying pepper and other perishable goods, succumbed to their injuries.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the J5 Ford bus, registered as FKJ 724 YC, suffered brake failure while speeding, which caused it to collide with the Mercedes truck, identified as FKJ 746 YC.

Emergency teams, including the LASEMA Response Unit (LRU), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Police Force, and LASAMBUS, assisted LASTMA in managing the aftermath of the crash. The survivors were immediately transported to Lagos Island General Hospital for medical treatment.

LASTMA officials worked diligently to clear the wreckage and spilled goods, restoring traffic flow on the bridge.

In offering condolences to the deceased’s family, Mr. Bakare-Oki stressed the importance of road safety, especially as the festive season approaches. He urged drivers, particularly those operating heavy vehicles, to avoid speeding and ensure their vehicles are well-maintained before taking long trips.

“This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by faulty braking systems and speeding,” Bakare-Oki said, urging all motorists to prioritize safety to prevent further accidents.