A tragic accident on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos left a newly-wed woman and 16 others injured on Friday evening. The crash, involving a commercial bus and a private vehicle, occurred during rush hour and caused significant traffic congestion. Eyewitnesses reported that the commercial bus lost control after a tire burst, colliding with the private car and causing multiple injuries.
Emergency responders, including officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), arrived promptly at the scene to evacuate the injured. The victims, including the newly-wed woman, were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention. According to LASEMA, most of the injuries were severe but not life-threatening.
A witness, Mr. Kehinde Ajayi, described the harrowing moment the accident occurred. “The bus was speeding when one of its tires burst, and it veered into the path of the car. People were screaming for help,” he said. Passengers on the bus and occupants of the car were among those injured.
The newly-wed woman, who was traveling with her husband, sustained a leg injury. Her husband, visibly shaken but unharmed, expressed gratitude to the emergency responders for their swift action. “It could have been worse, but we are thankful to be alive,” he said.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash. They urged drivers to adhere to speed limits and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy to prevent similar occurrences.
The accident has reignited concerns over road safety and vehicle maintenance in Lagos. Experts have called on the government to intensify road safety campaigns and enforce stricter penalties for reckless driving. Meanwhile, affected families are hoping for a speedy recovery for their loved ones.