By: Peace udugba -The daily torch media

LASTMA Launches Emergency Rescue as Six Injured in Third Mainland Bridge Crash
The Lagos State Government has expressed deep concern over a serious road traffic accident that occurred along the Third Mainland Bridge, Adekunle axis, inward Iyana-Oworonsoki, involving a painted Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number KRD 436 XF.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fully loaded commercial bus, which was conveying passengers alongside assorted household items, suffered a sudden and catastrophic brake failure while in motion. The mechanical failure caused the driver to lose control, leading to the vehicle capsizing on its side.
As a result of the accident, six passengers—two adult males and four adult females—sustained varying degrees of serious injuries, while one of the victims reportedly suffered a critical eye injury at the point of impact.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who were on routine traffic surveillance along the corridor, responded promptly to the emergency. Through swift and coordinated rescue efforts, all trapped victims were successfully rescued from the wreckage.
In a show of civic responsibility, Good Samaritans assisted by conveying four of the injured passengers to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. Officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Adekunle Division, also provided support by transporting one male victim with multiple fractures to a hospital for intensive care. Meanwhile, operatives of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) administered immediate on-the-spot medical attention to another injured passenger at the scene.
To prevent secondary accidents and ensure the swift restoration of traffic flow, LASTMA officials promptly evacuated the crashed vehicle from the carriageway.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, expressed heartfelt sympathy to the injured passengers and their families, while wishing them a speedy and complete recovery.
Hon. Giwa also used the opportunity to warn motorists—particularly commercial vehicle operators—against the dangers of overloading and neglecting routine vehicle maintenance. He stressed the importance of conducting proper mechanical checks, especially on braking systems, before embarking on any journey within or outside Lagos State.
He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property on all roads across the state, noting that acts of negligence and mechanical recklessness will continue to attract appropriate sanctions.