A wedding couple and 16 people barely missed death in a severe accident on Lagos' Third Mainland Bridge on December 7, 2024. The couple was driving back from their wedding ceremony at the Ikoyi Marriage Registry when their commercial bus collided with a little vehicle.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said that the collision was caused by a brake failure in the commercial bus, which was going at an excessive speed.
The incident included a little vehicle with the registration number AGL 22 YE and a commercial LT bus with the number BFG 204 XF. The bus, unable to stop in time, collided with the small truck, which had slowed owing to mechanical troubles. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris strewn over the bridge and people yelling for assistance.
LASTMA and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) responded swiftly to the situation. They worked together to free others trapped in the wreckage. A total of 18 people were rescued, including the married couple.
Among them, 16 people in the bus's back suffered serious injuries, including fractures and lacerations. The wounded were quickly taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for immediate medical attention.
Two other passengers sitting at the front of the bus sustained serious injuries and were sent to Gbagada General Hospital for specialist care.
The victims' conditions varied, with several suffering serious trauma as a result of the incident. Medical personnel indicated that some people needed surgery due to fractured bones and other significant injuries.
Despite their injuries, the married pair expressed thankfulness for their survival but were understandably disturbed by the harrowing incident.
Adebayo Taofiq, a LASTMA representative, stated that braking failure was a contributing role in the tragedy. He recommended drivers follow speed restrictions and keep their cars well-maintained, with a special emphasis on braking systems, to avoid such occurrences in the future.
LASTMA's General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the victims of this unfortunate occurrence. He highlighted that public awareness programs will be ramped up throughout the holiday season to encourage safe driving habits among motorists.
The tragedy has generated conversations in the community regarding road safety and car upkeep. Many locals voiced worry about frequent accidents on important routes such as the Third Mainland Bridge, advocating for greater enforcement of traffic laws and improved upkeep of public vehicles.
Local advocacy organizations are now lobbying for more extensive commercial driver training programs that emphasize safe driving tactics and vehicle maintenance. They claim that such measures would greatly minimize accidents and save lives.
This catastrophe serves as a stark reminder of the significance of road safety in Lagos. As families prepare for the holiday season, officials are asking all drivers to prioritize safety by following traffic regulations and keeping their cars correctly. The married couple's tight escape emphasizes both the fragility of life and the vital need for safety on our roadways.
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