Tragedy struck o, when A collision involving a mini-truck (AGL 22 YE) and a commercial LT bus (BFG 204 XF) on the Third Mainland Bridge near Ilaje, heading toward Iyana Oworonsoki, on December 7 left 18 people injured. Among the victims were a newlywed couple returning to the mainland from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry.
According to eyewitness accounts and officials, the accident was caused by a brake failure on the LT bus, which was traveling at an excessive speed. The malfunction caused the bus to collide with the mini-truck, which was moving slowly due to mechanical issues. The impact of the crash led to severe injuries for the passengers.
In a statement, Adebayo Taofiq, spokesperson for the Lagos Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), confirmed that 16 passengers seated in the rear of the bus—11 women and 5 men—sustained significant injuries. These victims were swiftly transported to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Toll Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for urgent medical treatment.
Taofiq also detailed that two passengers seated at the front of the bus were trapped in the mangled wreckage, suffering severe limb fractures. Rescue teams, including LASTMA personnel, emergency responders, and concerned bystanders, worked tirelessly to extricate the victims. They were subsequently rushed to Gbagada General Hospital for specialized medical care.
The Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASABUS) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit (LRU) were instrumental in evacuating the injured, ensuring prompt transportation to medical facilities. Meanwhile, law enforcement officers from Alonge Police Station and operatives from the Lagos State Task Force secured the scene, maintaining order during the rescue operations.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki extended his wishes for their swift recovery. He emphasized the critical importance of adhering to speed limits and ensuring vehicles are in proper working condition, especially their braking systems, to avoid such catastrophic incidents.
