One dead, 7 injured in Third Mainland Bridge accident

A driver has been confirmed dead while seven others were injured in an accident involving two buses on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed that the accident which occurred on the Third Mainland Bridge on Monday, September 16, 2024, was a result of brake failure.

LASEMA, in a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said following distress calls received at 12:16 a.m. through the 767 and 112 toll-free lines, the agency activated its tiger response team from the command and control centre in Alausa.

Oke-Osanyintolu said: “Upon arrival at the incident scene by 12:36hrs, it was discovered that two Hiace buses with Lagos State registration numbers EKY 804 YH and LND 624 YE were involved in the accident.

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“Further investigation, however, revealed that the immediate cause of the accident was attributed to failed brakes and speeding, which subsequently led to loss of control and the eventual crash of the bus behind into the one in front.”

The LASEMA boss noted that the driver of the bus behind lost his life in the incident, while seven other victims sustained injuries of various degrees.

He added: “The injured victims were administered first aid treatment by LASAMBUS officials and quickly transferred to Trauma Centre in Gbagada.

“There has been a successful recovery of the accident vehicles off the road and subsequently transferred both to LASTMA office in Oshodi.

“The road has been reopened for public use and recovery operation concluded.”

The Star