Fatal Lagos Bridge Collision: One Dead, Five Injured as Brake Failure Sparks Tragedy
By DAYO ADESULU
Early Morning Accident Shocks Commuters
In the early hours of Monday, December 16, 2024, a fatal collision on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge claimed one life and left five others hospitalized. The tragic incident occurred around 6 a.m. at Ilubirin, inward Sura.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the accident involved a J5 Ford bus (registration number FKJ 724 YC) and a Mercedes truck (registration number FKJ 746 YC).
Cause of the Collision
Preliminary investigations revealed that the J5 Ford bus, loaded with pepper and other perishable goods, suffered a brake failure while speeding. This mechanical failure caused the bus to collide with the Mercedes truck, resulting in severe damage.
Swift Rescue Operations Save Lives
LASTMA officials, with the help of bystanders, promptly arrived at the scene to assist victims trapped in the vehicles. Four individuals were pulled from the wreckage, with three rescued alive. Tragically, one passenger in the J5 Ford bus succumbed to their injuries.
Emergency response units, including the Lagos Response Unit (LRU), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), worked tirelessly to manage the aftermath. Survivors were transported to the General Hospital on Lagos Island for immediate medical attention.
Traffic Restored After Cleanup
To ease congestion on the busy bridge, LASTMA’s rescue team removed the damaged vehicles and cleared spilled goods. Normal traffic flow was restored shortly after.
LASTMA Urges Caution During Festive Season
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and reiterated the importance of road safety, particularly during the festive period.
“Drivers, especially those operating heavy-duty vehicles, must avoid excessive speeding and ensure their vehicles, particularly the braking systems, are in perfect working condition before any journey,” Bakare-Oki advised.
He assured the public of LASTMA’s dedication to enhancing road safety and preventing similar incidents through collaboration with other agencies.
How to Report Traffic Incidents
To report accidents, traffic incidents, or vehicle breakdowns, citizens are encouraged to use LASTMA’s toll-free hotline: 0800 005 27862.
