No fewer than eight persons have been injured and one was reported dead in a head-on collision between two buses on the Third Mainland Bridge, near the Ilaje area of Lagos State on Monday.
The crash occurred as the two Mazda commercial buses, with number plates — LND 624 YE and EKY 804 YH, “recklessly engaged in a high-speed chase from Adeniji Adele,” according to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq.
The statement noted that the intervention of the LASTMA officials “facilitated the rapid rescue of eight passengers, all of whom suffered severe fractures,” adding that this serves as a reminder of the “catastrophic consequences of irresponsible driving practices.”
“The injured were immediately transported to Gbagada General Hospital for urgent medical care, courtesy of the Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS).
“Police units from Bariga and Alonge Police Stations were instrumental in providing critical security support during the rescue operation, ensuring order and expediting the efforts to restore normalcy.
“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring road safety and implores all motorists to strictly observe speed regulations and exercise caution while driving,” the statement read.
The agency also sympathised with the family of the bereaved and “wishes the injured a swift and full recovery.”
In another related development, an accident was recorded on Monday, involving a Honda CRV (AKD 743 HV), which overturned on the bridge near the University of Lagos’ waterfront, also inbound Iyana-Oworonsoki.
“The crash, attributed to excessive speeding, resulted in no casualties. LASTMA personnel acted swiftly to clear the wreckage, preventing any further obstruction to the free flow of traffic on the bridge,” it added.
