A tragic auto accident occurred yesterday on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, resulting in two passengers being flung into the lagoon. The incident involved an 18-seater LT bus with the license plate FKJ 872 YA, which was en route to Lagos Island when the mishap occurred near the Adeniyi Adele section of the bridge.
According to reports, the unidentified driver, allegedly driving at high speed, suddenly swerved off his lane, losing control of the vehicle and colliding with the bridge rail. The impact of the collision caused two passengers, a male and a female, to be thrown into the lagoon, while the bus came to an abrupt stop due to the bridge rail.
Numerous passengers sustained injuries in the accident, prompting the arrival of local divers and fishermen to aid in the search for the missing passengers. Despite the efforts of the Marine Police and emergency response teams, the passengers could not be located.
A survivor, Akeem Abiodun, recounted his ordeal, expressing gratitude for his survival but lamenting the injuries he sustained. He described being jolted awake by the commotion and realizing that two passengers had fallen into the lagoon.
Ibrahim Farinloye, South West Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), confirmed that recovery efforts were underway, with additional local divers being deployed to assist in the search. He emphasized that the focus had shifted from search and rescue to recovery due to the prolonged absence of the missing passengers.
The crashed vehicle was towed to the Adeniji Adele Police Station, and most injured passengers received medical attention, with one being treated at the General Hospital Odan, Lagos. Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials were also involved in rescuing the injured passengers fro m the scene.
