A tragic auto crash between a J5 Ford bus and a Mercedes truck on the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge has claimed one life and injured four others.
The crash happened early Monday morning, December 16, near Ilubirin, heading toward Sura, causing heavy traffic along the busy road of Lagos third mainland bridge.
Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), led by General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, quickly responded to the scene. With help from bystanders, they rescued four people from the wreckage, three of whom survived.
Reports indicate that one person trapped inside the J5 Ford bus, which was loaded with pepper and other perishable items, later died.
Initial investigations showed that the J5 Ford bus, with registration number FKJ 724 YC, suffered brake failure while speeding. This caused it to crash into the Mercedes truck, which had the registration number FKJ 746 YC.
Emergency teams, including the Lasema Response Unit (LRU), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Police Force, and LASAMBUS, worked alongside LASTMA at the scene to handle the situation. The survivors were quickly taken to Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment.
LASTMA officials worked hard to remove the wreckage and spilled perishable goods, helping to restore traffic on the bridge.
Mr. Bakare-Oki expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and emphasized the need for road safety, especially with the festive season drawing near.
He however advised drivers, especially those handling heavy vehicles, to avoid speeding and to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before traveling.