A newlywed couple, along with 16 other passengers, sustained various injuries in a multi-vehicle crash on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos on Saturday.
The incident occurred as they were returning from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry, confirmed the spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq.
According to Taofiq, the accident happened when an LT bus experienced brake failure while traveling at high speed, colliding with a mini truck.
The collision caused injuries to the occupants of both vehicles, including fractured limbs and other serious injuries.
The two vehicles involved were identified as a mini truck with the number plate AGL 22 YE and a commercial LT bus with number plate BFG 204 XF.
Taofiq provided further details, stating, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, alongside emergency responders, coordinated a successful rescue operation for 18 individuals caught in a severe vehicular accident on Third Mainland Bridge, near Ilaje, heading towards Iyana Oworonsoki.”
Among the victims were the newlyweds, who were traveling with other passengers in the bus. The impact of the collision left 16 rear-seat passengers, comprising 11 women and 5 men, injured.
These victims were quickly transported to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for medical attention.
Additionally, two individuals were critically injured after becoming trapped in the wreckage of the LT bus.
They were freed with the assistance of LASTMA personnel, emergency responders, and bystanders before being rushed to Gbagada General Hospital for specialized care.
Expressing sympathy for the victims, LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, urged road users to exercise caution, particularly during the upcoming festive season.
He also emphasized the importance of adhering to speed limits and ensuring proper maintenance of vehicles, especially the braking systems.
Bakare-Oki also mentioned LASTMA’s ongoing public safety campaign, led by the Female Elite Corps, aimed at promoting safe driving practices among commercial drivers, particularly ahead of the holiday season.
The emergency response teams at the scene included personnel from LASTMA, LASEMA, LASAMBUS, and the police.
