Ten people were injured on Wednesday after a multiple-vehicle crash on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, while emergency responders also prevented what could have been a tragic train collision at Ilupeju Bypass after a commercial bus broke down on a railway track.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said the road crash happened in the morning when a commercial bus stopped on the bridge to fix a faulty tyre. Another commercial bus, whose driver reportedly did not notice the stationary vehicle in time, crashed into it. Moments later, a trailer also rammed into the second bus before speeding away from the scene.
The accident left 10 passengers with varying degrees of injuries, causing panic among commuters and slowing traffic on one of Lagos’ busiest routes.
LASEMA said its emergency response team quickly arrived at the scene and provided first aid to the injured victims before taking them to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Officials also cleared the damaged vehicles from the bridge, allowing traffic to return to normal.
In a separate emergency on the same day, disaster was narrowly avoided at the Ilupeju Bypass when a commercial bus developed a mechanical fault and became stranded on a railway track.
Emergency responders swiftly deployed a light tow truck to remove the vehicle before an approaching train reached the crossing, preventing what could have resulted in a major tragedy.
LASEMA urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained to reduce the risk of mechanical failures on the road. The agency also warned drivers against carrying out repairs on highways and bridges, saying such actions put lives at risk and can trigger serious accidents.
The agency reminded residents to immediately report emergencies through its toll-free numbers, 767 or 112, stressing that early reporting allows responders to save lives and reduce damage.
