One dies, eight injured in Third Mainland Bridge auto crash

One unidentified male adult lost his life yesterday, and eight others sustained injuries after two commercial buses collided on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos.

The Guardian learnt that the accident occurred on the Oworonsoki-bound carriageway. Confirming the incident, Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), described it as harrowing and added that both bus drivers were engaged in a reckless high-speed chase.

He said the injured had been taken to Gbagada General Hospital for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue. 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, is a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of irresponsible driving practices.

“Swift intervention by LASTMA officials 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.

“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 extended its condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured a swift recovery.

In a related development, another accident occurred yesterday involving a Honda CRV marked AKD 743 HV, which overturned on the Third Mainland 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.