CITIZENS COMPASS –A tragic collision involving a J5 Ford bus with license number, FKJ 724 YC and a Mercedes truck with licence number, FKJ 746 YC, along the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, has led to the death of a person with four others sustaining different degrees of injuries.
It occurred on Monday morning at Ilubirin, inward Sura, along the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), confirmed the accident in its updates.
LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofik, said, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) 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.
“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.
“Preliminary findings suggest that the J5 Ford bus experienced brake failure while traveling at high speed, resulting in a collision with the Mercedes truck.
“Emergency response teams, including the Lasema Response Unit (LRU), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Police Force, and LASAMBUS, collaborated with LASTMA to manage the situation. All survivors were swiftly transported to the General Hospital on Lagos Island for immediate medical attention.
“In a coordinated effort to restore normalcy, LASTMA’s rescue team efficiently cleared the accident site, removing the vehicles and spilled perishable goods to ensure the free flow of traffic along the bridge.
“While extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki reiterated the critical importance of road safety, particularly during the festive season. He urged drivers, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, to avoid excessive speeding and ensure that their vehicles—most notably the braking systems—are in perfect working condition before embarking on any journey.
“LASTMA remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding all road users and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to prevent avoidable accidents on Lagos roads.
“To report traffic incidents, accidents, breakdowns, or other impediments, please contact the LASTMA toll-free hotline: 0800 005 27862.”
Similarly, two adult males; the driver of a Mazda bus and a passenger on Monday, sustained severe injuries at Fadeyi, inward Ojuelegba in Lagos State.
This was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu in his updates.
“Following distress calls received via the CRM on the 767/112 Emergency Toll-Free Lines at 2148hrs, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans and Response Team from Onipanu.
“Upon arrival at 2151hrs, LASEMA’s Cobra Response Team discovered an incident scene of multiple accident involving an articulated truck, registration number unknown, laden with a 40-foot container, a Toyota Corolla, registration number KTU 691 JX and a Mazda commercial bus, registration number AAA 271 XI on the road.
“Further investigations by the LRT at the incident scene revealed that, while on top speed, the articulated truck suffered mechanical failure when it’s tractor tyre pulled off, resulting in a crash into the two other affected vehicles.
– No loss of lives was suffered as a result of the incident.
– 2 adult males sustained severe injuries (driver of the affected Mazda bus and passenger of the affected car)
– LASEMA’s Response Team has activated necessary Safety Measures at the incident scene.
– Agency’s LRT has activated Traffic Control Measures and Road Diversions are in place.
– The two adult male victims have been given immediate medical attention by the Agency’s Pre-Hospital Care Team and LASAMBUS.
– Agency’s Response Team has activated necessary equipment- Light Tow Truck for swift recovery of the affected vehicles off the road.”
