At least 16 passengers, including a newlywed couple, narrowly escaped death on Saturday when a commercial bus collided with a mini truck on the Third Mainland Bridge near Ilaje, heading towards Iyana Oworonshoki, Lagos State.
The accident occurred around 3 p.m. and involved a mini truck with registration number AGL 22 YE and a commercial LT bus, BFG 204 XF.
An eyewitness told Vanguard that the bus suffered brake failure while speeding and crashed into the truck, which was moving slowly due to a mechanical fault.
The newlywed couple was reportedly returning to the mainland from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry when the accident happened.
A total of 16 passengers seated in the rear of the bus—11 women and five men—sustained serious injuries and were taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Toll Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for treatment.
Two passengers seated in the front were trapped in the wreckage and suffered severe limb fractures. Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and bystanders, worked together to free them. They were later taken to Gbagada General Hospital for urgent care.
The Lagos State Ambulance Service and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency facilitated the swift evacuation of all the victims.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy for the injured and wished them a quick recovery. He emphasized the need for drivers to observe speed limits and maintain their vehicles, especially the braking system.
“We continue to educate motorists on safe driving practices, especially during this festive season,” Bakare-Oki said, urging the public to report traffic emergencies by calling LASTMA’s toll-free number, 0800000527862.
Law enforcement officers from Alonge Police Station and Lagos State Task Force operatives provided security at the scene during the rescue operation.
