By Olasunkanmi Akoni

LAGOS—One yet-to-be-identified person died and five others were rushed to hospital in the early hours of yesterday, following a collision involving two vehicles at Ilubirin, inward Sura, along Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, the tragic collision involved a J5 Ford bus, with number plate, FKJ 724 YC, and a Mercedes truck, FKJ 746 YC, at Ilubirin, inward Sura, along Third Mainland Bridge.

LASTMA officials promptly arrived at the scene and spearheaded the rescue operations. With the support of concerned bystanders, four victims were extricated from the wreckage, three of whom were rescued.
Tragically, one individual, trapped inside the J5 Ford bus laden with pepper and other perishable goods, died as a result of severe injuries sustained in the crash.

Preliminary findings showed that the J5 Ford bus experienced brake failure while travelling at high speed, resulting in a collision with the Mercedes truck.

Emergency response teams, including the LASTMA, Response Unit, LRU; Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC; Nigeria Police Force and Lagos State Ambulance Service, LASAMBUS, jointly managed the situation.

All survivors were transported to the General Hospital on Lagos Island for immediate medical attention.
In a coordinated effort to restore normalcy, LASTMA’s rescue team, subsequently, cleared the accident scene, removing the vehicles and spilled perishable goods to ensure free flow of traffic along the bridge.

While extending condolences to the bereaved family, General Manager, LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reiterated the critical importance of road safety, particularly during the festive season.

Bakare-Oki urged drivers, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, to avoid excessive speeding and ensure that their vehicle, most notably the braking systems are in perfect working condition before embarking on any journey.

“LASTMA remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding all road users and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to prevent avoidable accidents on Lagos roads,” LASTMA boss stated.