The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) executed a dramatic rescue of an eight-month-old infant following a serious multiple-vehicle collision on the notorious Otedola Bridge. The early morning accident on Thursday left at least four pedestrians with severe injuries.
Details of the Otedola Bridge Collision
The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, involved a total of four vehicles: a Hydra truck (APP 261 FA), an LT commercial bus (EPE 574 YC), a Ford vehicle (GG 283 XQ), and an unregistered Mark flat-body truck. According to a statement from Adebayo Taofiq, Director of LASTMA's Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, the chain of events began when the LT commercial bus, traveling at high speed, struck a group of pedestrians attempting to cross the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
One of the pedestrians was a woman carrying her eight-month-old baby securely strapped to her back. The force of the impact triggered a secondary collision with the three other vehicles, creating a complex emergency scene.
Rescue Operation and Aftermath
In a fortunate turn of events, the infant was discovered to be completely unharmed despite the violent crash. LASTMA personnel, with operational support from the Alausa Police Station, swiftly responded to the scene. The injured victims were stabilised and promptly transported to the Lagos State Accident & Emergency Centre by Tollgate for urgent medical intervention.
The agency's General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed his sympathy for the injured and wished them a swift recovery. He used the opportunity to admonish pedestrians, urging them to always use the government-provided bridges for their own safety. Following the rescue, LASTMA personnel meticulously cleared all wrecked vehicles from the roadway, restoring normal traffic flow towards Tollgate and preventing prolonged gridlock on the critical corridor.
A Troubled History for Otedola Bridge
This is not an isolated incident for the Otedola Bridge, a key link between Lagos and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway known for its frequent accidents.
- March 2025: A gas tanker overturned, causing a fire that destroyed a church, a bungalow, and four cars. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) later confirmed two fatalities and five injuries, attributing the cause to brake failure.
- April 2025: A red saloon car lost control, struck another vehicle, and veered off the bridge. The driver and three passengers were rescued with various injuries.
- January 2025: A collision involving four articulated trucks, blamed on reckless driving, resulted in one death and three hospitalizations.
The recurring nature of these accidents highlights ongoing safety concerns on this vital transport link.
