Just Minutes Away from Tragedy.

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Immediately I saw this topic, one particular memory came rushing back into my mind. It’s something that still shakes me whenever I think about it.

It happened some years back when my sister and I travelled to Lagos to spend the holidays at our brother’s house. We were so excited. Being in Lagos always felt different—the lifestyle, the tall buildings, the traffic, and of course, the beautiful places to visit.

One of the highlights of that holiday was when we went to Elegushi Beach. I actually remembered i rode on a horse for the first time, and i was actually scared when the horse was literally walking along the shore. I also remember the breeze and how we dipped our legs into the sand and waited for the water to flow toward us. On that day, we took pictures, ate some snacks, and laughed so much. It was actually one of those moments that was exciting and felt good and perfect.

After spending a good amount of time at the beach, we decided to head back home. Our route took us through the Third Mainland Bridge. That was like my second time crossing it, and I stillcouldn’t just stop staring. The bridge was incredibly long, and the view of the water stretching on both sides was something else. I remember thinking, “Wow, this is beautiful.”

As we drove on, we noticed a B.R.T bus parked by the side of the bridge. It looked faulty, just sitting there with a lot of passengers inside and no movement. We didn’t even pay much attention to it—we just drove past like any other vehicle would. But not up to five minutes later, we started hearing people shouting behind us. When we looked back, we saw something that left all of us completely stunned.

The same B.R.T bus had moved, and from what we later understood, it collided with a car that was coming behind. The force of the impact caused the car to somersault. And when I say somersault, I mean it literally flipped and landed upside down. That was the first time in my life I saw a car in that state—lying on its roof, with all four tyres facing up. It felt like something out of a movie, except this was very real.

We were completely shocked. I remember going silent in the car. My sister and I looked at each other with wide eyes, and all we could say was “Thank God.” That accident happened barely 3 to 4 minutes after we passed beside the bus. So, if we had been slower or stopped for something along the way, it could have been us.

Later that evening, when we got home, we saw the story on the news. It was heartbreaking. Two children—siblings—had died in that accident. They were seated in the back. Sadly, they didn’t make it. But the driver survived, mainly because he wore a seatbelt.

That day changed something in me. It made me realize just how unpredictable life can be. One moment you’re laughing at the beach, and the next, you’re witnessing a tragedy that leaves you in shock.

That memory still sits heavy in my heart, and every time I think about it, I remember how grateful we were to make it home safely.

What an unbelievable day.

Thanks for reading.

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