10 injured in Third Mainland Bridge crash, train collision averted in Lagos

By Adebola Muili

Ten passengers sustained injuries in a multiple-vehicle crash on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos on Wednesday, while emergency responders averted a possible train collision at Ilupeju Bypass after a commercial bus broke down on a railway track.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) disclosed this while giving an account of the two separate incidents, which required emergency response operations in different parts of the state.

According to the agency, the Third Mainland Bridge accident occurred on Wednesday morning when a commercial bus stopped on the bridge to repair a faulty tyre but was subsequently rammed into by another commercial bus whose driver was reportedly unaware of the obstruction.

The situation worsened when a trailer also hit the second commercial bus before the driver fled the scene, leaving emergency responders to attend to the injured passengers and address the resulting traffic obstruction.

Following the crash, emergency responders administered first aid to the 10 injured passengers before evacuating them to hospital for further medical attention.

The responders also worked to clear the affected section of the bridge, which was reopened to traffic after the operation, helping to restore movement along the busy route.

In a separate incident at Ilupeju Bypass, emergency responders prevented a potentially dangerous situation after a commercial bus broke down while on a railway track, raising the possibility of a collision with a train.

LASEMA said its response team deployed a light tow truck to remove the stranded vehicle from the railway track, thereby averting a possible collision and eliminating the immediate danger posed by the obstruction.

The two incidents highlighted the dangers associated with vehicle breakdowns and roadside repairs on busy highways, bridges and railway tracks, where obstructions can expose motorists, passengers and other road users to serious risks.

The agency therefore urged motorists to maintain their vehicles regularly to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and avoid attempting repairs on highways and bridges, particularly in locations where stopped vehicles could endanger other road users.

LASEMA also called on residents requiring emergency assistance to contact the agency through the emergency numbers 767 or 112 for prompt intervention.