Newlywed Couple Among 16 Injured in Third Mainland Bridge Accident

A tragic accident on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge left a newlywed couple and 16 others injured, raising concerns about road safety and accident prevention in the area.

A newlywed couple coming back from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry, along with 16 other individuals, sustained injuries in a multi-vehicle accident on Lagos State’s Third Mainland Bridge this past Saturday.

Adebayo Taofiq, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), confirmed in a statement that brake failure on a high-speed commercial LT bus was responsible for the crash.

The bus is reported to have crashed into a mini truck, causing serious injuries to passengers in both vehicles. According to Taofiq, the accident resulted in victims suffering from various degrees of injuries, including fractured limbs.

Taofiq revealed that the vehicles involved included a mini truck with the license plate AGL 22 YE and an LT bus bearing the license plate BFG 204 XF.

He mentioned that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, along with emergency response agencies, successfully coordinated the rescue of 18 people involved in a major vehicle accident on the Third Mainland Bridge near Ilaje, en route to Iyana Oworonsoki.

Among those affected was a newlywed couple traveling back to the mainland from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry.

The accident, involving a mini truck (AGL 22 YE) and a commercial LT bus (BFG 204 XF), was caused by brake failure on the LT bus, which was traveling at high speed. The collision occurred when the fast-moving bus crashed into the slow-moving mini truck experiencing mechanical difficulties.

Taofiq elaborated by saying, “Sixteen passengers who were seated in the rear of the LT bus, consisting of 11 women and 5 men, suffered significant injuries. They were quickly taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Toll Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for immediate medical attention.”

Two passengers stuck in the LT bus were freed through a collaborative effort involving LASTMA personnel, emergency responders, and bystanders. Taofiq mentioned that “These victims were subsequently taken to Gbagada General Hospital for specialized treatment.”

LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, conveyed his concern by offering sympathy to the injured victims and urging motorists to drive carefully on Lagos roads.

Bakare-Oki conveyed, via Taofiq: “LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed heartfelt sympathy for the injured and wished them a quick recovery. He emphasized the vital importance of adhering to speed limits and keeping vehicles well-maintained—especially concerning their braking systems—to help prevent such incidents.”

Mr. Bakare-Oki emphasized the increased public awareness programs conducted by LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps, which are designed to educate motorists—particularly commercial bus drivers—on safe driving practices throughout the festive season and beyond.

The emergency response agencies present at the scene were LASTMA, LASEMA, LASAMBUS, and the police.