Ambulance Incident Mars 2026 Lagos City Marathon, Prompting Safety Review
Tragedy struck the 11th edition of the Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, February 14, 2026, when an ambulance attached to the event knocked down a spectator along the race corridor. The incident occurred while both the 42-kilometre and 10-kilometre races were in progress across Victoria Island and Lekki routes, disrupting the event and raising significant safety concerns.
Viral Video Highlights Safety Lapses
A video that quickly spread on social media showed a medical ambulance driving within the competition zone before colliding with a spectator. The viral clip triggered widespread alarm over how vehicles were being managed within restricted marathon routes, where runners and onlookers were closely packed. Reports from Daily Post indicated that the crash happened in sections covering Victoria Island and Lekki, causing panic as several people stepped back from the roadway while officials tried to regain control.
The condition of the injured spectator had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting, but the footage alone prompted fresh questions about crowd control and emergency vehicle movement during large-scale sporting events. Observers questioned why an emergency vehicle was allowed to move so freely within a tightly controlled corridor when runners and spectators were still present.
Marathon Safety Plan Under Scrutiny
Before the race, the Lagos State Government announced a detailed traffic diversion plan to protect runners and spectators. Authorities stated that major roads and adjoining intersections would be closed to unauthorised vehicles between midnight and 12:30 p.m. to secure the routes for about 28,000 registered participants. The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, had assured residents that traffic officers and security agencies would be stationed along the course to enforce restrictions and maintain order.
Officials also explained that the diversions were meant to balance public movement with the smooth running of the race. However, the involvement of an ambulance in the incident has raised concerns about coordination between race organisers, medical teams, and traffic authorities, shifting public focus from record times and prize money to the urgent need for tighter safety control in future races.
Winners Crowned Despite Disruption
Despite the unsettling episode, the marathon continued, and winners were later crowned across categories. Kenyan runner Ezra Kipchumba Kering claimed the men’s title, crossing the line in 2:11:55 to win the $50,000 top prize, as reported by Business Day. Uganda’s Lomoi Samuel finished four seconds behind in 2:11:59 to take second place, while Namutala Lumbasi secured third in 2:12:25.
Among Nigerian runners, Boyi Nyango emerged as the first local finisher in the men’s race with a time of 2:25:32, according to Lagos City Marathon reports. In the women’s event, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meleka won in 2:37:36, edging Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel and Ethiopia’s Zewdalem Getaw, who finished in 2:37:43 and 2:38:59 respectively. The 2026 edition of the marathon retained its Gold Label status and once again drew elite athletes from across Africa.
Related Incidents Add to Concerns
In a related development, there were a few moments of panic at the Lagos City Marathon as some runners reportedly passed out during the long-distance race. An athlete with bib number 333 lost consciousness on the track, but medics were right on time to resuscitate him, providing oxygen through his nose. This incident further highlighted the challenges of managing health and safety during such large-scale athletic events.
The ambulance accident has cast a shadow over the celebration, emphasising the critical need for improved safety protocols and better coordination among all parties involved in organising future marathons to prevent similar tragedies.
