At least 14 passengers narrowly avoided a fatal accident on Thursday, February 13, after a commercial bus crashed into a private vehicle along the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.
According to him, the crash happened around the Iyana-Oworonshoki axis when the bus lost control and rammed into the car.
Reckless speeding blamed for the crash
Taofiq attributed the accident to excessive speeding by the commercial driver, which resulted in a loss of control.
“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority once again demonstrated its dedication to public safety by promptly rescuing 14 accident victims following a serious crash at Ilaje, inward Iyana-Oworonshoki, on the Third Mainland Bridge,” he stated.
He explained that the incident involved a Mazda commercial bus with registration number XN 997 KTU, which collided with a moving Toyota Yaris (11150 DLA) due to reckless driving.
“The force of the impact led to multiple casualties, requiring immediate intervention. LASTMA officials, working alongside the Lagos State Ambulance Service, responded swiftly to rescue the victims, including the commercial bus driver,” he added.
Emergency Response and Safety Warnings
Emergency responders provided immediate medical assistance to the injured passengers before transferring them to Gbagada General Hospital for further treatment.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed concern over the increasing disregard for speed limits and urged drivers to prioritize road safety.
“Following the successful evacuation of the victims, they were handed over to the Lagos Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), which quickly transported them to the hospital for medical care,” he said.
Bakare-Oki also extended his sympathies to the victims and called on both commercial and private motorists to adhere to speed regulations to prevent avoidable accidents.
