Anewly married couple and 16 others were rescued on Saturday in a serious vehicular collision on the Third Mainland Bridge near Ilaje, heading towards Iyana Oworonsoki.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in collaboration with emergency response agencies, orchestrated the operation.
The newlywed couple was returning to the mainland from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry.
The accident involved a mini truck (AGL 22 YE) and a commercial LT bus (BFG 204 XF).
According to a statement signed by Adebayo Taofiq Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department LASTMA, “The accident was attributed to a brake failure on the LT bus, which was travelling at excessive speed. The bus collided with the mini truck, which was moving slowly due to mechanical difficulties.”
Sixteen passengers in the rear of the LT bus—11 women and 5 men—sustained significant injuries and were swiftly transported to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Toll Gate for urgent care.
Two passengers seated at the front of the bus were trapped in the wreckage and suffered severe limb fractures.
“They were extricated with the combined efforts of LASTMA personnel, emergency responders and concerned bystanders,” the statement added.
The victims were later taken to Gbagada General Hospital for specialised treatment.
The Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASABUS) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit (LRU) facilitated the swift evacuation of all casualties to medical facilities.
Law enforcement officers from Alonge Police Station and operatives of the Lagos State Task Force ensured order during the rescue operation.
Expressing sympathy for the injured, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said, “We wish the injured a speedy recovery. It is important that we observe speed limits and maintain vehicles, particularly the braking system, to prevent such tragedies.”
Mr. Bakare-Oki also highlighted the intensified public enlightenment campaigns led by LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps to educate motorists, especially commercial bus operators, on safe driving practices during the festive season.