Third Mainland Bridge accident leaves one dead, four injured

A fatal accident involving a J5 Ford bus and a Mercedes truck occurred at Ilubirin, inward Sura, along the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge on Monday morning.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the collision claimed one life leaving four others injured.

The LASTMA Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, in a statement on X.com on Monday disclosed that LASTMA officials, led by General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki, arrived promptly at the scene and began rescue operations.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has confirmed a tragic collision involving a J5 Ford bus (FKJ 724 YC) and a Mercedes truck (FKJ 746 YC) at Ilubirin, inward Sura, along the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge.

“The accident, which occurred earlier today, claimed one life and left a total of five individuals affected.

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One dead, four injured in Third Mainland Bridge accident

“LASTMA Officials, under the leadership of the General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, promptly arrived at the scene and spearheaded the rescue operations. With the support of concerned bystanders, four victims were extricated from the wreckage, three of whom were rescued alive.

“Tragically, one individual, trapped inside the J5 Ford bus laden with pepper and other perishable goods, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.”

All survivors were reportedly transported to the General Hospital on Lagos Island for immediate medical attention.

The statement added that preliminary findings suggest that the J5 Ford bus experienced brake failure while traveling at high speed, resulting in a collision with the Mercedes truck.

One dead, four injured in Third Mainland Bridge accident

It also noted that emergency response teams, including the response team of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Police Force, among others, collaborated with LASTMA to manage the situation.

Traffic congestion had reportedly extended from the accident site to the Unilag waterfront on the Third Mainland Bridge but LASTMA said its rescue team had cleared the accident site, removed the vehicles and spilled perishable goods, to ensure the free flow of traffic along the bridge.

In the statement, Bakare-Oki expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and emphasized the importance of road safety, particularly as the festive season approaches.

He also urged drivers, especially those operating heavy-duty vehicles, to avoid excessive speeding and ensure that their vehicles, particularly the braking systems, are in proper working order before embarking on any journey.