The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Third Mainland Bridge

  • Six injured in Third Mainland Bridge accident

    Six injured in Third Mainland Bridge accident

    At least six commuters were injured on Monday in a road traffic accident along the Third Mainland Bridge, Adekunle corridor, heading toward Iyana-Oworonsoki. 

    The incident involved a painted Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number KRD 436 XF.

    According to Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, the fully loaded bus, carrying passengers and assorted household items, experienced a sudden brake failure while in motion. 

    The driver subsequently lost control, causing the vehicle to capsize on the busy carriageway.

    The accident left six passengers—two men and four women—with serious injuries, including one who sustained a critical eye injury at the point of impact.

    LASTMA officials, who were on routine patrol in the area, arrived promptly to coordinate rescue operations. All injured passengers were safely extricated from the wreckage and attended to.

    According to LASTMA, “Good Samaritans swiftly transported four of the injured passengers to an undisclosed medical facility for urgent treatment. In parallel, Officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Adekunle Division, rendered crucial assistance by conveying one male victim who sustained multiple fractures to a hospital for intensive medical care. Additionally, operatives of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) administered immediate on-site medical attention to another injured passenger at the scene of the incident.”

    To prevent further accidents and restore free flow of traffic, LASTMA officials ensured the swift removal of the accident vehicle from the road.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Sleepy driver rams into another vehicle on Third Mainland Bridge

    Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, expressed deep sympathy to the injured passengers and their families, and wished them a speedy recovery.

    He also warned motorists, particularly commercial vehicle operators, against overloading and neglecting routine vehicle maintenance. 

    Hon. Giwa stressed the importance of regular mechanical checks, especially of braking systems, before embarking on any journey within or outside Lagos State.

    The Special Adviser reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s resolute commitment to the preservation of lives and property across its road networks, underscoring that acts of avoidable negligence and mechanical irresponsibility will continue to attract stringent regulatory sanctions.

  • Police deploy patrols, gadgets to secure Third Mainland Bridge

    Police deploy patrols, gadgets to secure Third Mainland Bridge

    To ensure real-time surveillance, detection and prevention of crimes on the Third Mainland Bridge and surroundings, the Lagos State Police Command has deployed marine and ground forces for 24-hour patrols.

    The patrol teams would work with the state-of-the-art control room built and donated to the Police Command by the Federal Ministry of Works.

    Test-running the facilities yesterday, which have been integrated into the state’s security communication architecture, the Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh, said it would aid in real-time prevention and detection of crimes, including traffic-related offences, acts of vandalism underneath or on top of the bridge.

    Jimoh said the deployment of advanced cameras with range upto Victoria Island and parts of the mainland would further enhance safety and security in the state, warning those who might want to jump into the lagoon, and reckless drivers to desist from such acts as they would be caught.

    According to the police boss, the control centre, though the fifth in Lagos, however, has hi-tech equipment that enable integrated policing capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.

    According to him, a network of high-tech cameras have been installed at strategic locations across the state and are being monitored from a central control room by trained officers.

    “The system enables real-time monitoring of public spaces, major roads, transport corridors, and critical infrastructure. Once suspicious activity is detected, information is relayed in real-time to officers on the ground for swift response.

    “We operate a dedicated control group where activities are monitored continuously. Once anything unusual is noticed, whether on the road, in public transport areas, or within sensitive facilities, our teams are alerted instantly to take action,” he said.

    To further enhance operational capacity, Jimoh said the command had taken delivery and deployed two new patrol vehicles, donated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).

    “These vehicles are expected to improve response time and mobility during emergencies,” he said, demonstrating how the vehicles, patrol boats and control room work in synergy for seamless operation.

    Jimoh said marine security had received a major boost with the deployment of a fully equipped patrol boat from the Federal Government to secure Lagos waterways, terminals, and waterfront facilities.

    “The boats, supported by police personnel and surveillance technology including drones, will operate round the clock to deter criminal activities on water, ” he said.

    Read Also: US suspends immigrant visa processing for Nigeria, 74 others

    In addition, the commissioner highlighted the effectiveness of the upgraded radio communication network, which allows officers to respond promptly to distress calls and coordinate operations more efficiently across the state.

    The police boss expressed gratitude to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for donating the control room facility to the command, and for his pledge to provide maintenance support to keep the place functioning.

    He also thanked the Lagos State government, especially Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Executive Secretary (ES), LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, for their continued support in providing critical security infrastructure, which has placed the state at the forefront of internal security preparedness in Nigeria.

    “Our capacity to protect life and property has significantly improved.

    These cameras, vehicles, boats, and communication systems represent a major step forward in the security architecture of Lagos State and, by extension, Nigeria,” he said.

    The commissioner assured residents that the command remained committed to professionalism, effective service delivery, and the continuous use of modern technology to make Lagos safer for all.

  • Residents block Third Mainland Bridge over alleged demolition by govt

    Residents block Third Mainland Bridge over alleged demolition by govt

    • Calm restored

    Traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos was brought to a standstill yesterday morning when protesting residents of Oworonshoki blocked the inward lane leading into the community.

    The demonstrators, who trooped out in large numbers, expressed anger over the demolition of buildings in the area allegedly carried out by the Lagos State Government. Many of them, wielding placards, accused the authorities of rendering families homeless without adequate notice or compensation.

    The protest, which started at dawn, caused heavy gridlock on the ever-busy bridge, leaving motorists stranded and forcing many commuters to seek alternative routes into Lagos Mainland.

    Security operatives were later deployed to the scene to restore order and open the road to traffic.

    Read Also: DSS summons Sowore over post on Tinubu

     Calm has been restored on the bridge after swift intervention by the Lagos State Police Command.

    Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, led his men to the scene. His intervention, in collaboration with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), ensured the dispersal of the protesters and reopening of the road.

    In a statement, police spokesman, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed the development.

    “Calm has been fully restored on the Third Mainland Bridge after the swift intervention of CP Olohundare Jimoh. The Lagos Police Commissioner visited the scene, ensured safety and order, and reopened the road. Traffic is now flowing smoothly,’’ he said.

    Some motorists like Igwe Blessing expressed frustration over the initial disruption, stressing that protests should not be allowed to obstruct major highways.

    “Even if they are protesting, it is not enough reason to block the road and therefore affect other road users,” she stated.

  • Residents block Third Mainland Bridge over demolition exercise

    Residents block Third Mainland Bridge over demolition exercise

    Traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge was paralyzed on Monday morning as residents of Oworonshoki staged a protest by blocking the inward lane leading into the community.

    The protesters, who came out in large numbers, accused the Lagos State Government (LASG) of demolishing their houses without proper notice or compensation, leaving many families homeless. Carrying placards, they demanded accountability and immediate intervention.

    The demonstration, which began at dawn, caused severe gridlock on the busy bridge, stranding motorists and forcing many commuters to seek alternative routes into Lagos Mainland.

    Read Also: Umahi explains state of Carter, Third Mainland bridges

    Security operatives were later deployed to restore order and clear the road for traffic flow.

    As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not released an official statement regarding the demolition exercise or the protest.

  • Darey Art Alade, wife’s car catch fire on Third Mainland Bridge

    Darey Art Alade, wife’s car catch fire on Third Mainland Bridge

    Singer Darey Art Alade and wife, Deola have shared their car caught fire on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

    According to Deola on Instagram, the driver escaped safely and no life was lost. 

    The couple expressed gratitude for the protection and perspective they gained from the incident.

    The couple in a joint post on Instagram said they chose to share their experience not to seek sympathy but to remind others that material possessions can be replaced, but lives cannot. 

    They encouraged those navigating sudden loss to find strength in the ability to rebuild and begin again.

    Deola wrote: “Yesterday, around 4pm, our car caught fire on the 3rd Mainland Bridge and burnt to the ground.

    Read Also: Darey Art Alade, wife celebrate 18th wedding anniversary

    “It was a shocking and painful experience but we’re incredibly grateful that the driver made it out safely. No lives were lost, and that’s what truly matters.

    “Moments like this remind us how quickly things can change and how unimportant material things become in the face of life itself.

    “We’re not sharing this for sympathy but to remind someone that things can be replaced. Lives cannot. 

    “We’re choosing to remain thankful to God for protection, for perspective, and for the quiet strength to keep going.

    “If you’re navigating a sudden loss of any kind, we hope this reminds you: we can rebuild. We can begin again and find the strength to keep going.

    “One breath, one prayer, one step at a time.

    “We give thanks in all things. THANK YOU JESUS!!! Thank you to everyone that stopped to help”.

  • JUST IN: Woman jumps off Third Mainland Bridge, dies in Lagos lagoon 

    JUST IN: Woman jumps off Third Mainland Bridge, dies in Lagos lagoon 

    A yet-to-be-identified woman has died after jumping into the Lagos Lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge.

    The tragic incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday near the University of Lagos (UNILAG) waterfront. 

    Reports indicate that the woman plunged into the water, prompting a swift response from Marine Police stationed in the area.

    Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the woman’s body was recovered at the UNILAG shore slipway by the Marine Police.

    Read Also: LASTMA rescues 14 from Third Mainland Bridge crash

    “She was confirmed dead by a team of UNILAG medical doctors in the presence of a police team from the Sabo Division,” Hundeyin said.

    Following standard procedures, authorities have transferred the body to the mortuary at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Yaba. 

    Investigations are ongoing to determine her identity and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

  • Fed Govt cautions against excessive speed on rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge

    Fed Govt cautions against excessive speed on rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge

    The Federal Government has cautioned motorists against excessive speeding on the  Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the advice at a stakeholders’ meeting, on the phase 1 and 2 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal Highway project.

    Umahi noted that adherence to this directive would discourage the government from putting into consideration, the installation of speed bumps which might lead to traffic congestion.

    Read Also: How Nigeria can use town planning to attain sustainable development, by NESG chair

    “We have to talk to our people. The speed there is terrible. If we put speed bumps, then, it is going to create heavy hold-up on the bridge,” he said.

    He also said the government had installed Closed Circuit Television  (CCTV) cameras on and under the bridge, adding that officials would be on standby to monitor the footage and enforce speed regulations. The Minister also said the government had extended rehabilitation of the bridge to Falomo, with streetlights and additional CCTV cameras also installed there.

  • Third Mainland Bridge not jerky, defective- FG

    Third Mainland Bridge not jerky, defective- FG

    The Federal Government has dismissed reports of a jerky and defective Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos as baseless rumors maliciously orchestrated by fifth columnists and detractors.

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured the public that the 3rd Mainland Bridge, along with other iconic bridges in Lagos, is receiving top-notch attention and has successfully passed an integrity test conducted in response to recent rumors.

    In a statement on Friday by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Orji, Umahi emphasized that the claims of defects on the 11-kilometer bridge were unfounded and aimed solely at undermining public confidence in the Works Ministry and the Renewed Hope administration.

    According to Orji in the statement, upon hearing the rumours, and to verify if any issues, no matter how minor, had occurred on the bridge, the Minister promptly dispatched a team of engineers, led by the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, Olukorede Keisha, to conduct a thorough inspection of the entire 11-kilometer length and width of the Bridge.

    “The report is the same; that the bridge is hale and hearty, and its integrity is undoubtedly intact,” he said.

    Umahi urged the public to disregard the false rumors. He said: “The Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to the revampment of the inherited road infrastructural deficiencies.

    Read Also: JUST IN: 18 injured in Third Mainland Bridge collision

    “The 3rd Mainland Bridge, including other iconic bridges in Lagos, has received priority intervention by Mr. President knowing their vitality to the road communications and transportation ecosystem in Lagos and beyond.

    “That is why the superstructure, the substructure, and other underwater elements of the 3rd Mainland Bridge are receiving profound repairs by the Renewed Hope administration.

    “The Federal Ministry of Works is up to task and speed in changing the narratives in the road infrastructure development in Nigeria.

    “The code is quality, speed, and value for money, and you can be sure that the roads done by the Renewed Hope administration can stand the test of time”.

  • Third Mainland bridge not jerky, defective, says FG

    Third Mainland bridge not jerky, defective, says FG

    The federal government has dismissed reports of a jerky and defective Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos as baseless rumours maliciously orchestrated by fifth columnists and detractors.  

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured the public that the Third Mainland Bridge, along with other iconic bridges in Lagos, is receiving top-notch attention and has successfully passed an integrity test conducted in response to recent rumors.

    In a statement on Friday by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Orji, Umahi emphasized that the claims of defects on the 11-kilometer bridge were unfounded and aimed solely at undermining public confidence in the Works Ministry and the Renewed Hope administration.  

    According to Orji in the statement, upon hearing the rumors, and to verify if any issues, no matter how minor, had occurred on the bridge, the Minister promptly dispatched a team of engineers, led by the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, Olukorede Keisha, to conduct a thorough inspection of the entire 11-kilometer length and width of the Bridge.

    “The report is the same; that the bridge is hale and hearty, and its integrity is undoubtedly intact,” he said.

    Given this, the Minister urged the public to disregard the false rumors, saying, “The Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to the revampment of the inherited road infrastructural deficiencies. 

    Read Also; Tinubu mourns passing of House Deputy Chief Whip Onanuga

    “The 3rd Mainland bridge, including other iconic bridges in Lagos, has received priority intervention by Mr. President knowing their vitality to the road communications and transportation ecosystem in Lagos and beyond. 

    “That is why the superstructure, the substructure, and other underwater elements of the 3rd Mainland bridge are receiving profound repairs by the Renewed Hope administration.

    “The Federal Ministry of Works is up to task and speed in changing the narratives in the road infrastructure development in Nigeria. 

    “The code is quality, speed, and value for money, and you can be sure that the roads done by the Renewed Hope administration can stand the test of time”.

  • JUST IN: 18 injured in Third Mainland Bridge collision

    JUST IN: 18 injured in Third Mainland Bridge collision

    A collision between a commercial bus and a mini truck on the Third Mainland Bridge near Ilaje, inward Iyana Oworo, has left 18 people injured.

    The severe crash caused significant damage to the bus and prompted a swift response from officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Good Samaritans.

    The victims received immediate first aid from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital for further medical attention. 

    Eyewitness footage revealed the bus mangled beyond recognition, highlighting the severity of the impact.

    As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation of any fatalities. 

    Efforts to obtain further details from the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment for LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls.

    The cause of the accident has not been determined, but authorities have emphasized the need for caution and adherence to road safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents. 

    Meanwhile, motorists are advised to expect traffic delays on the affected stretch of the Third Mainland Bridge as officials work to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow.