CITIZENS COMPASS–One person was confirmed dead while eight others were injured on the Third Mainland Bridge on Monday, during a head-on collision with two vehicles.
Vehicles involved were Mazda commercial buses with number plates, LND 624 YE and EKY 804 YH).
It occurred near Ilaje, en route Iyana-Oworonsoki.
Confirming the incident, spokesman, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofik said the accident occurred when both buses recklessly engaged in a high-speed chase from Adeniji Adele.
He said, “A tragic and fatal head-on collision involving two Mazda commercial buses (LND 624 YE / EKY 804 YH) occurred on the Third Mainland Bridge, near Ilaje, en route to Iyana-Oworonsoki, resulting in one fatality and leaving eight others grievously injured.
“The harrowing incident, which unfolded as both buses recklessly engaged in a high-speed chase from Adeniji Adele serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of irresponsible driving practices.
“Swift intervention by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) facilitated the rapid rescue of eight passengers, all of whom suffered severe fractures. 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 Agency also extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wishes the injured a swift and full recovery.
In a related development, another accident occurred earlier today involving a Honda CRV (AKD 743 HV), which overturned on the Third Mainland Bridge near the UNILAG 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.”
Similarly, the spokesperson said the Agency had commenced a three-day training for its workers, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has inaugurated an intensive 3-day In-house training programme, meticulously crafted to enhance the operational efficacy and service delivery standards of its Senior Officers.
“This initiative, ceremoniously launched today at the LASTMA Headquarters by Hon. Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, will delve into a broad array of critical topics, including:
“Diplomatic Enforcement: Strategies for executing effective traffic management while maintaining constructive public relations.
“Stress Management and Wellness : Advanced techniques for preserving mental and physical well-being in high-pressure scenarios.
“Ethical and Professional Excellence : Upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in traffic operations.
“Collaborative Team Synergy : Building cohesive teams to optimize productivity and elevate service quality.
“Elevated Communication Techniques : Mastering communication for clarity, precision, and maximum impact.
“Emotional Intelligence and Empathy: Cultivating emotional intelligence to adeptly navigate conflicts and foster positive public engagement.
“Naval Captain Akinyemi Samuel, a distinguished authority in stress management, is leading the session on Stress Management and Wellness, imparting actionable strategy to help participants manage stress and maintain peak effectiveness.
“This training underscores LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to continuous capacity enhancement and operational excellence, ensuring that senior officers are well-armed with the necessary skills and insights to excel in their respective roles.
“Since the beginning of the year, LASTMA has prioritized the training and retraining of its personnel, with over 3,000 officers having already undergone specialized instruction in various aspects of traffic management.
“The Lagos State Government places immense emphasis on the professional development of its workforce, ensuring the delivery of exceptional services to the motoring public, particularly motorists across the state,” affirmed Hon. Sola Giwa.”
