Black Wednesday: Tragedy taints Eid celebrations in Lagos

…Commercial bus tumbles, flings two passengers into Lagoon on Third Mainland Bridge

…Sanwo-Olu mourns as Isolo traditional ruler passes away after Eid prayers

By Sodiq Adelakun

In a tragic turn of events in Lagos State, the recently renovated Third Mainland Bridge became the site of heartbreak as a fully-loaded 20-seater commercial bus collided with the railings, resulting in two passengers plunging into the Lagoon below.

This incident unfolded on Wednesday, coinciding with the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations that marked the culmination of Ramadan.

Adding to the sorrow of the celebration, the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, passed away shortly after participating in Eid prayers. The community was left reeling from the dual blows of the bridge accident and the loss of their revered leader.

Eyewitness Akinola Adeniyi recounted the sad moment when the commercial bus tumbled, describing the chaos that ensued around 11:30 am.

The bus, traveling from Iyana-Oworo to the Island, veered into the railings due to alleged excessive speeding by the driver.

A response from rescue teams, including Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Police, ensued. Traffic congestion mounted on the bridge, exacerbating the situation.

Director of Public Affairs for Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Taofik Adebayo, confirmed the incident.

He stated that LASTMA personnel, in collaboration with other rescue units, notably the Marine Police, were engaged in the ongoing rescue operation.

Adebayo stated that 18 passengers were immediately taken to hospital for treatment. He added that they were seriously injured.

According to reports, he said, preliminary investigations revealed that a 20 fully-loaded LT commercial bus, with registration FKJ 872 YA while on a high speed, lost control as a result of a brake failure.

The bus was about to fall inside the Lagoon before it was stopped by the railings of the Third Mainland Bridge.

Adebayo added that the truck driver ran away after the accident. He noted that policemen from Adeniji Adele Police Station provided security backup during the rescue of the 18 passengers by LASTMA officials.

One LASTMA Alpha, Zone 1 Lagos Island, Ojo-Oniyun Olamide, led the recovery operations. He confirmed that his team immediately evacuated the bus off the road for free vehicular movement inward Adeniji Adele area of Lagos Island.

Meanwhile, the Marine rescue team is already inside the Lagoon on a search-and-rescue mission to see if any of those passengers that fell inside could be rescued.

In response to the recent tragedy on the Third Mainland Bridge, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, issued a stern warning to motorists against overspeeding.

He emphasised the critical importance of ensuring vehicle safety, including thorough checks of the braking system, before embarking on journeys within or outside the state.

…Sanwo-Olu mourns as Isolo traditional ruler passes away after prayers

Also, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed heartfelt condolences over the demise of the paramount ruler of Isolo Kingdom, Oba Kabiru Alani Adelaja Agbabiaka, Adeola Olushi III.

The announcement, relayed through a statement by Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, conveyed the Governor’s shared grief with the people of Isolo and the family of the late Osolo of Isolo Kingdom, Oba Agbabiaka Saliu.

Oba Agbabiaka’s passing, on Wednesday at the age of 64 at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), following Eid prayers, prompted Governor Sanwo-Olu to reflect on the significant contributions made by the revered traditional ruler to both the Isolo community and Lagos State.

The Governor praised Oba Agbabiaka’s selfless dedication to public service, emphasizing his enduring impact on the region’s growth and development.

Governor Sanwo-Olu remarked, “The death of Oba Agbabiaka is a great loss to the people of Isolo, and he will be greatly missed.

He made lots of positive impacts during his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of his community as a traditional ruler.”

The Governor urged collective efforts towards immortalising the late monarch’s legacy, urging the family, friends, and associates of Oba Agbabiaka, as well as the entire Isolo community, to honor his memory through continued dedication to the values he upheld.