Tragedy Strikes Again on Lagos Third Mainland Bridge, One dead, five hospitalized

DDM News

In the early hours of today, Monday, December 16, 2024, another devastating accident unfolded on the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge, raising serious concerns about the ongoing safety of this critical infrastructure.

This tragedy claimed the life of one individual and left five others hospitalized, prompting fresh scrutiny over the safety measures in place on the bridge, which has witnessed a growing number of accidents in recent years.

The incident occurred at approximately 6 a.m. in the Ilubirin area, inward Sura, when a J5 Ford bus (registration number FKJ 724 YC) collided with a Mercedes truck (registration number FKJ 746 YC).

According to reports from Lagos State Traffic Management Authority Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the crash occurred after the J5 Ford bus, which was transporting perishable goods such as pepper, suffered a brake failure.

The bus, reportedly speeding at the time, could not halt in time before crashing into the truck, causing widespread damage and sending shockwaves through the local community.

As emergency responders from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) arrived at the scene, they were joined by local bystanders in conducting immediate rescue operations.

Four victims were pulled from the wreckage, three of whom survived, but tragically, one individual was found trapped inside the bus and succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.

The rescue effort was further supported by other emergency response teams, including the Lagos Response Unit (LRU), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).

These agencies worked in unison to transport the survivors to the General Hospital on Lagos Island, where they received urgent medical care for their injuries.

Meanwhile, LASTMA teams cleared the wreckage from the bridge, which included not only the damaged vehicles but also the spilled goods, in an effort to restore normal traffic flow.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of adhering to road safety protocols, particularly during the holiday season.

“Drivers, especially those operating heavy-duty vehicles, must avoid excessive speeding and ensure their vehicles, particularly the braking systems, are in perfect working condition before any journey,” Bakare-Oki urged, highlighting a common cause of accidents on the bridge – vehicle malfunctions.

While Bakare-Oki’s call for improved vehicle maintenance and responsible driving is a valid one, it raises a bigger question about the overall safety of the Third Mainland Bridge, which has been the site of numerous accidents over the years. This bridge, a vital artery for Lagosians and the primary route connecting various parts of the city, has seen a disturbing number of collisions, many of which have resulted in fatalities. In 2023, for instance, a bus lost control on the same bridge, resulting in several deaths. A truck, similarly, was involved in a tragic crash in 2022 when its brakes failed.

These recurring incidents point to a larger systemic issue that cannot be solely attributed to individual driver negligence or faulty vehicles.

While drivers’ actions are crucial, the increasing frequency of accidents suggests that the city’s traffic management and the bridge’s infrastructure may be insufficient to prevent such tragedies.

The design of the bridge, the condition of the road, and the failure to enforce traffic regulations more effectively all deserve a closer examination.

The persistent issues surrounding the Third Mainland Bridge suggest that a more holistic approach to road safety is needed.

While the authorities have stepped up their efforts to manage accidents after they occur, the growing number of incidents begs the question of whether preventive measures are being adequately implemented.

Are the road safety protocols being properly enforced? Is there enough attention given to vehicle inspections and the maintenance of vital road infrastructure?

These are critical questions that must be addressed if the Third Mainland Bridge is to become safer for all road users.

As Lagos continues to expand, the demand on the Third Mainland Bridge will only increase, and so must the attention given to ensuring its safety. The tragedy of December 16 serves as another stark reminder that the status quo is no longer enough.

Comprehensive changes are needed to prevent further loss of life and to restore public trust in the safety of this vital roadway.

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