Accident on Lagos Third Mainland Bridge Overshadows Eid Celebrations

A tragic accident on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos has left rescue efforts in doubt after two passengers fell into the Lagos lagoon following a collision on Wednesday. Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), expressed dim hopes of rescuing the passengers, emphasizing the shift from search and rescue to recovery.

The accident, which occurred near Adeniyi Adele axis on the bridge, involved an 18-seater bus that swerved off the road and hit the bridge railings, causing the passengers to be thrown into the lagoon. Despite efforts from emergency response teams including NEMA, the Nigerian Police Marine Corps, and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the chances of survival are slim, with one passenger reportedly drowned and the other missing.

Mr. Jonathan Owoade of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, attributing it to speeding by the driver. While other victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment, the gravity of the injuries sustained by the 18 passengers underscores the severity of the accident.

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The aftermath of the collision disrupted traffic flow in the Adeniji Adele area, prompting prompt action from LASTMA to clear the scene for vehicular movement. Meanwhile, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, stressed the importance of adhering to speed limits and ensuring vehicle roadworthiness.

This tragic incident comes amidst the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr by Muslims and just days after the reopening of the Third Mainland Bridge with speed limits enforced. It serves as a poignant reminder of the need for caution and responsible driving on the roads, particularly on major thoroughfares like the Third Mainland Bridge.

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