A fatal accident on Lagos State’s Third Mainland Bridge on Monday morning claimed one life and left three others injured. The crash involved a J5 Ford bus loaded with pepper and other perishable goods and a Mercedes truck.
Eyewitnesses and emergency responders worked swiftly to rescue the survivors, who were transported to the Lagos Island General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), alongside the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Ambulance Services, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the Police, coordinated the rescue operation.
According to LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, the J5 Ford bus experienced brake failure, which led to the collision with the truck. He confirmed that four victims were pulled from the wreckage, three of whom survived, while one person, trapped inside the bus, succumbed to their injuries.
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“Preliminary investigations revealed that the J5 Ford bus suffered a brake failure while traveling at high speed, leading to the tragic collision,” Taofiq explained.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASEMA, extended condolences to the victim’s family and urged motorists, particularly those driving heavy-duty vehicles, to prioritize safety during the holiday season. He emphasized the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, particularly checking braking systems, to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
As the festive season approaches, authorities have renewed their call for stricter adherence to road safety measures to protect lives and minimize accidents. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of neglecting vehicle maintenance and over-speeding.
