Mother Dies, Daughter Survives in Third Mainland Bridge Crash

Mother Dies, Daughter Survives in Third Mainland Bridge Crash

A tragic road accident on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge has claimed the life of a woman, while her 30-year-old daughter survived the crash, according to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). The incident occurred earlier in the day at the Ilaje inward Iyana Oworo axis of the bridge, involving a head-on collision between two Toyota Sienna vehicles with registration numbers LSR 809 GV and LSR 695 HM. Authorities attributed the crash to reckless driving, particularly excessive speeding, which continues to be a major cause of fatal accidents on Nigerian roads.

LASTMA confirmed that operatives on routine patrol responded swiftly to a distress call and immediately implemented traffic control measures to prevent further accidents. Safety cones were placed at the scene to secure the area and protect other road users from potential harm. Personnel from the Oworonsoki Police Division also arrived promptly to document the incident and initiate legal procedures, ensuring a coordinated response to the emergency.

The crash resulted in the death of one female adult, who was traveling with her daughter in one of the vehicles. The daughter, aged 30, survived the impact and was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. The remains of the deceased were later evacuated by security operatives, while LASTMA and other agencies remained on site to manage traffic and prevent secondary collisions.

One of the drivers involved in the crash fled the scene after the collision, but the second driver was apprehended by LASTMA officials and handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution. LASTMA emphasized that such actions will not be tolerated and that the agency remains committed to enforcing road safety laws.

General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, issued a stern warning to motorists, urging them to avoid reckless driving and adhere strictly to speed limits. He stressed that over-speeding remains a leading cause of road fatalities in Lagos and across Nigeria. Bakare-Oki called on all drivers to exercise caution, maintain discipline, and prioritize safety while operating vehicles.

LASTMA reiterated its ongoing commitment to protecting lives and ensuring smooth traffic flow across Lagos State. The agency continues to collaborate with security and emergency services to respond swiftly to accidents and reduce the frequency of preventable tragedies on the roads. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible driving and underscores the urgent need for greater public awareness and enforcement of traffic regulations.

As Lagos grapples with increasing traffic congestion and road accidents, the need for sustained public education and stricter enforcement of traffic laws becomes more critical. The tragedy on the Third Mainland Bridge highlights the human cost of reckless driving and calls for collective responsibility among all road users.