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Tag: Third Mainland Bridge

  • Another body recovered in Third Mainland Bridge accident

    Another body recovered in Third Mainland Bridge accident

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Search and Rescue team says another body from the Third Mainland Bridge accident of Aug. 23 has been recovered.

    LASWA General Manager, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Emmanuel confirmed that the recovered body had since been released to the victim’s family.

    He said while early reports suggested only one victim, investigations later confirmed a second passenger, identified as 31-year-old Chado Daniel Danladi of Oremeta Street, Ikeja.

    Danladi was identified as a colleague of the first victim.

    Emmanuel said the incident occurred in the early hours of Aug. 23, when a Toyota Camry plunged into the Lagos Lagoon from Third Mainland Bridge.

    He noted that LASWA’s rescue team responded immediately after receiving the distress call.

    “The vehicle carried a female passenger, identified as Aisha, aged between 25 and 35. Her body was quickly recovered by divers and handed to her family,” he said.

    He added that emergency units from LASWA, Marine Police, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) worked seamlessly with support from local fishermen.

    “This incident demonstrates the efficiency of our coordinated emergency response and the strong community support that strengthen Lagos State’s capacity to manage waterway emergencies.

    “We remain committed to ensuring safety and rapid response in all such cases,” Emmanuel said.

  • Umahi clarifies report on Third Mainland, Carter bridges

    Umahi clarifies report on Third Mainland, Carter bridges

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, says his presentation to the Federal Executive Council about Lagos bridges was distorted on social media.

    ‎Umahi said in Lagos on Monday that the misrepresentation led to speculations and even mockery by ill-informed members of the public.

    The minister spoke during a tour of some road and bridge projects.

    Umahi urged the public to rely on verified government updates instead of social media misinformation.

    ‎He said that both Third Mainland and Carter bridges had been under technical review since 2013.

    ‎He emphasised that saltwater penetration, illegal sand mining and rusting of piles had worsened their structural defects.

    The minister said that technical inspections of Lagos bridges in 2013, 2019 and 2023 showed deterioration  under water.

    ‎”Specialist contractors and consultants reported that Carter Bridge’s defects were advancing exponentially.

    ‎”Findings revealed heavy corrosion, pile weakening and sand erosion due to neglect and illegal dredging,” he said.

    According to Umahi, bridge construction experts have advised that Carter Bridge should be demolished and replaced.

    He said that stakeholders and contractors agreed that replacement was safer and more cost-effective than repairs.

    “ If we repair Carter Bridge for another 50 years, it is going to take N389 billion but to construct a brand new bridge that will also increase the span for navigation will cost about N359 billion.

    “That is what they said to us. That is Berger’s own estimates. We didn’t call for bidding, we called for information,” he said.

    He said that he had not given the Federal Executive Council any figure for approval.

    “ We have not presented any figure for approval, we have given them the idea of what Berger sent, and we say we don’t trust that figure.

    “ If they are more than six or seven people that quoted, we can begin to trust.”

    Umahi, however, said that experts did not recommend demolition of the Third Mainland Bridge.

    He noted that the surface repairs on the Third Mainland Bridge had been completed.

    He gave the assurance that monitoring and maintenance would continue on the bridge to avoid further deterioration.

    ‎”Specialist contractors and independent diving consultants confirmed stability for now,” he said.

    ‎The Minister reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring public safety on all federal bridges.

  • FG releases update on N6.3trn Third Mainland Bridge reconstruction contract

    FG releases update on N6.3trn Third Mainland Bridge reconstruction contract

    The Federal Government has said the contract for the reconstruction of the 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos, estimated by Julius Berger to cost 6.3 trillion naira, has not been awarded.

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated this when the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, paid him a courtesy visit on Saturday in Abakaliki.

    Umahi said defects on the 3rd Mainland Bridge and the Carter Bridge were not new, noting that he had been engaging stakeholders on the matter.

    He explained that the 3rd Mainland Bridge, which is over 50 years old, was assessed in 2013 and 2019, and that deliberations were held with experts on how to address identified issues.

    The minister added that while the Carter Bridge also required rehabilitation, works on the Eko Bridge were ongoing.

    “From our findings, to rehabilitate the Carter Bridge could cost us N386 billion, but to do a brand new bridge would be at about N359 billion.

    “And for the 3rd Mainland Bridge, to repair it will cost us N3.86 trillion, but to construct a new 3rd Mainland Bridge will cost us N3.6 trillion.

    “Now, that is the findings we took to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting. We did not take it there for contract to be awarded, we only brought estimated findings as done by Julius Berger Ltd.

    “Therefore, no contract has been awarded for the reconstruction of 3rd Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. Any information aside this is not correct.

    “And we believe strongly that if we expose these findings to more industry experts or players, they may come with a better solution and a better cost too.

    “But the important thing is for FEC to note that we have a problem with the two bridges; so, nobody has awarded any contract to that regard,” Umahi stressed.

    He disclosed that the federal government had closed the 3rd Mainland Bridge to heavy trucks and would also close the Carter Bridge to heavy trucks by Sept.

    According to him, the only bridge now open for movement of heavy-duty vehicles from Lagos Island to the Mainland is the Independence Bridge, which he said had been rectified.

    Umahi recalled that the Eko Bridge was once completely burnt, but that rehabilitation works on it were currently ongoing.

    “Now, for the way forward, FEC approved that there should be an advertisement for experts in bridge construction to bid with quotation to do comprehensive rehabilitation of the two bridges.

    “We want them to do the investigation, the design, costing, and submit, or tell us the cost of constructing new ones.

    “Another option is that, we are also opening it to public private partnership for the private sector to come and get involved, do the bridges, toll it and recover their money.

    “So nobody has awarded contract for the reconstruction of 3rd Mainland Bridge for N3.6 trillion or contract for the Carter Bridge,” Umahi reiterated.

    The three major bridges connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland are the Carter Bridge, built in 1901; the 3rd Mainland Bridge, whose first phase was commissioned in 1980 by President Shehu Shagari and completed in 1990 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

    The third is the Eko Bridge, which was constructed in phases between 1965 and 1975.

  • Many injured in Lagos Third Mainland bridge crash

    Many injured in Lagos Third Mainland bridge crash

    A road accident involving a Toyota Camry and a commercial bus, commonly known as a Danfo, on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos has left many persons injured.

    The Rapid Response Squad (RRS), a unit of the Lagos State Police Command, in a statement disclosed that the accident occurred before Adekunle Junction, heading towards Lagos Island.

    The commercial bus reportedly flipped multiple times after the collision. RRS operatives, including bikers and patrol teams, quickly arrived at the scene to provide first aid to the injured.

    Officers from the Adekunle Police Division were also present to assist with rescue efforts. Emergency services were mobilized to the scene to ensure prompt medical attention and clear the wreckage. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.

    The damaged vehicles have since been removed, and normal traffic flow has been restored on the bridge.

    “Emergency services providers have been mobilised.

    “No life loss in the unfortunate incident.

    “Free flow of vehicular movement has been restored and the ill-fated vehicles were evacuated from the road,” the statement read partly.

  • FG considers new measure to discourage ‘death race’ on Third Mainland Bridge

    FG considers new measure to discourage ‘death race’ on Third Mainland Bridge

    The federal government (FG) is considering a new measure to discourage over-speeding by motorists on the recently rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the FG to be considering installation of speed bumps on the Third Mainland Bridge to discourage over-speeding, which has resulted in many cases of accidents and deaths on the bridge.

    The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, who made this known in Lagos, expressed concern about excessive speed by motorists  on the newly rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge.

    Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on the Phase One and Phase Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Umahi gave an update on efforts being made by the FG to rehabilitate key bridges in the State, specifically  the Third Mainland Bridge, Carter Bridge and Eko Bridge.

    The minister urged motorists to avoid excessive speed on the bridge  to discourage the federal government from considering installation of the speed bumps on the bridge.

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

    The minister said that the government had installed Closed Circuit Television  (CCTV) cameras on the bridge and under it, adding that they would soon be inaugurated.

    He disclosed that officials would be on standby to monitor the footage and enforce speed regulations.

    Umahi also said that the government had extended rehabilitation of the bridge to Falomo, adding that streetlights and additional CCTV cameras had been installed at Falomo.

    He disclosed that all activities on that stretch would be monitored remotely from Abuja.

    “Let me also announce that we have also done an extension of that bridge rehabilitation, a beautiful sight to behold from that Third Mainland Bridge down to Falomo. We have put street lights and we have also put CCTV cameras.

    “Whatever you are doing on that stretch of Falomo to Third Mainland Bridge and the ramps, we are seeing you; it is on camera, and we are also routing it down to Abuja.

    “We will stay in our office and watch, like what we have done on the Second Niger Bridge,’’ Umahi said.

  • LASTMA rescues 14 from Third Mainland Bridge auto crash

    LASTMA rescues 14 from Third Mainland Bridge auto crash

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued 14 accident victims from a road crash at Ilaje, inward Iyana-Oworonshoki, along the Third Mainland Bridge.

    The General Manager, LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

    The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.

    Bakare-Oki said the swift response of LASTMA demonstrated its unwavering commitment to public safety.

    “The catastrophic incident, which involved a Mazda commercial bus (XN 997 KTU), was triggered by reckless speeding, resulting in the driver losing control and forcefully colliding with a moving Toyota Yaris (11150 DLA).

    “The impact led to multiple casualties, necessitating immediate emergency response.

    “LASTMA officers in collaboration with the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), acted with commendable urgency, extricating 14 individuals, including the commercial bus driver, from the wreckage.

    “Throughout the operation, security operatives from Alonge Police Station provided essential tactical support to maintain order and ensure a secure rescue environment,” he said.

    The LASTMA boss said that upon successful evacuation, the rescued victims were promptly handed over to LASAMBUS personnel, who swiftly transported them to Gbagada General Hospital for immediate medical attention.

    Bakare-Oki underscored the pressing need for both commercial and private motorists to comply with officially sanctioned speed limits to avert needless road fatalities.

    He extended his deepest sympathies to the injured and wished them a swift and complete recovery.

  • FG debunks rumour of Third Mainland Bridge shaking

    FG debunks rumour of Third Mainland Bridge shaking

    The Federal Government has debunked  a rumour that the Third Mainland Bridge is shaking, describing it as baseless and driven by ulterior motives.

    NAN reports that some messages on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook claim that a part of Third Mainland Bridge has opened up and the bridge is shaking.

    The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, said on Thursday that the messages were false and should be disregarded.

    She spoke while touring the bridge with journalists.

    “The honourable minister has directed that I come out and tell Lagosians and Nigerians that there is nothing wrong with the bridge.

    ”The rumour is the handiwork of mischief columnists – those who are idle and those who think that the political atmosphere is too quiet for them.

    “That is why we have come here. I took time with you people (journlalists) to go through the entire length of the 11km bridge.

    “We drove round this, we came back and we saw that there is nothing amiss,” Kesha said.

    The controller emphasised that the bridge was safe and its integrity   intact.

    “We are using this opportunity to tell the motoring public, Lagosians and  all Nigerians that the bridge is safe, the integrity is not in doubt.

    ”After all, it is the same bridge that we ply, Lagosians ply and the ministry’s officials  ply,” Kesha said.

    Kesha acknowledged that maintenance work was still ongoing on the bridge.

    She said that the work included recent asphalt overlays, lane markings and guardrail installations.

    She added that the bridge was undergoing underwater repairs and efforts to address slab deflection in specific areas being made.

    She said that traffic restrictions, particularly for heavy trucks, were in place to safeguard the bridge and ensure its longevity.

    She  also acknowledged the existence of deflection in specific sections of the bridge, particularly between the Adekunle and Adeniji junctions.

    She said that the bridge’s surface was likely composed of concrete slab and the slabs were susceptible to deflection.

    Kesha said, “You will observe that there is a deflection in some parts of the bridge; that is, from Adekunle to Adeniji.

    ”It is some of the slabs that are deflecting; there is a contract for that now to stop further deflection of this slap.

    ”Even if we cannot reverse what has been done, we can stop further deflection.”

    The controller said  that continued attention would be given the bridge and resources  deployed to sustain its safety.

  • 1 dead, 4 rescued in Third Mainland Bridge accident

    1 dead, 4 rescued in Third Mainland Bridge accident

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the death of one person and the rescue of four others, in an accident that happened on the Third Mainland Bridge.

    The LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made the confirmation in a statement on Monday in Lagos,

    Bakare-Oki said he promptly led LASTMA officials to the scene of the tragic collision involving a J5 Ford bus (FKJ 724 YC) and a Mercedes truck (FKJ 746 YC) at Ilubirin, inward Sura, along the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge.

    The LASTMA boss said he spearheaded the rescue operations with the support of concerned bystanders, adding that four victims were extricated from the wreckage, three of whom were rescued alive.

    “The accident, which occurred earlier today, claimed one life, an individual, trapped inside the J5 Ford bus laden with pepper and other perishable goods, who succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash and it left a total of five individuals affected.

    “Preliminary findings suggest that the J5 Ford bus experienced brake failure while traveling at high speed, resulting in a collision with the Mercedes truck.

    “Emergency response teams, including the LASEMA Response Unit (LRU), the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Police Force, and LASAMBUS, collaborated with LASTMA to manage the situation.

    “All survivors were swiftly transported to the General Hospital on Lagos Island for immediate medical attention,” he said.

    The LASTMA boss noted that in a coordinated effort to restore normalcy, LASTMA’s rescue team efficiently cleared the accident site, removing the vehicles and spilled perishable goods to ensure the free flow of traffic along the bridge.

    He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and reiterated the critical importance of road safety, particularly during the festive season.

    Bakare-Oki urged drivers, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, to avoid excessive speeding and ensure that their vehicles, most notably the braking systems, are in perfect working condition before embarking on any journey.

    “LASTMA remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding all road users and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to prevent avoidable accidents on Lagos roads,” he said.

  • Newlywed escapes death on Third Mainland Bridge

    Newlywed escapes death on Third Mainland Bridge

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in collaboration with emergency response agencies, has rescued 18 individuals involved in a vehicular collision on the Third Mainland Bridge.

    The LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki in a statement on Saturday, in Lagos said that the accident occurred on Third Mainland Bridge near Ilaje, heading towards Iyana Oworonsoki.

    The statement, which was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA added that among the victims were a newlywed couple returning to the mainland from the Ikoyi Marriage Registry.

    “The accident, which involved a mini truck (AGL 22 YE) and a commercial LT bus (BFG 204 XF), was attributed to a brake failure on the LT bus, which was traveling at excessive speed.

    “The bus collided with the mini truck, which was moving slowly due to mechanical difficulties. A total of 16 passengers seated in the rear of the LT bus—11 women and 5 men—sustained significant injuries.

    “They were swiftly transported to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre near the Toll Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for urgent medical care,” he said.

    Bakare-Oki said that two additional passengers seated at the front of the LT commercial bus were trapped in the wreckage and suffered severe fractures to their limbs.

    He said they were extricated with the combined efforts of LASTMA personnel, emergency responders and concerned bystanders and later rushed to Gbagada General Hospital for specialised treatment.

    “The Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASABUS) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit (LRU) facilitated the swift evacuation of all casualties to medical facilities.

    “Law enforcement officers from Alonge Police Station and operatives of the Lagos State Task Force provided critical security support at the accident scene, ensuring order during the rescue operation,” he said.

    Expressing deep sympathy for the injured, Bakare-Oki, wished them a speedy recovery.

    He also underscored the importance of observing speed limits and maintaining vehicles in optimal condition, particularly the braking system, to prevent such tragedies.

    The LASTMA boss highlighted the intensified public enlightenment campaigns led by LASTMA’s Female Elite Corps, which aim to educate motorists—especially commercial bus operators—on safe driving practices before, during and beyond the festive season.

  • FG raises alarm over rate of accident on Third Mainland Bridge

    FG raises alarm over rate of accident on Third Mainland Bridge

    The number of accidents recorded on Third Mainland Bridge since its repair is unprecedented and  caused by impatience and indiscipline.

    The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, who expressed the worry in an interview on Sunday in Lagos, urged motorists to exercise caution and discipline on the bridge, especially during the Christmas season, to reduce accidents and the attendant loss of lives and property.

    “As the year is coming to an end, a lot of people have targets that they still want to achieve before the end of the year but  it is only the living that can fulfill dreams. Goals and aspirations can only be fulfilled when you have life,’’ she said.

    She added that discipline and patience by motorists, on the bridge, would preserve the bridge. According to Kesha, some portions of the newly-asphalted road had been damaged due to accidents caused by reckless driving.

    “The number of accidents that have been recorded on Third Mainland Bridge since we did this repair is unprecedented; and the cause of these accidents is impatience and lack of discipline.

    “People just see a well-tended road and  want to speed past the speed limit;  in the process, they hit themselves. Apart from  personal losses to themselves, and even loss of lives, they cause damage to the bridge.

    “We have several portions that are bad already because a lot of vehicles got burnt there; when they hit themselves, sometimes, it sparks,” she said.

    Kesha also appealed to motorists to stop driving with worn-out tires, saying that doing so would increase the risk of accidents.

    “We want to tell  motorists and Lagos residents in general that we have increased surveillance on Third Mainland Bridge; so you are free to park and change your tires.

    “If we see you driving with an ordinary rim, you will be apprehended and you will be locked up, and we do not want to do that.

    “Make sure that your vehicles are roadworthy before you come out, and once you have an issue, make sure you pack to attend to it,” Kesha said.

    The  controller urged motorists to drive within the approved speed limit to avoid accidents and save lives, private property  and public infrastructure.

    According to Kesha, the contractor handling the bridge repair had not left the site and, as such, still repairs  portions recently damaged by accidents.

    She said, “ Once he leaves, we may start seeing potholes developing unless drivers obey the rules.

    “Whatever is good, if you subject it to abuse, it is going to spoil; so, don’t abuse this public infrastructure. It does not belong to one person, it belongs to all of us.”

    Kesha said that  Third Mainland Bridge repair was  around 90 per cent completed. She said that the remaining significant task on the project  was installation of control room cameras.