•Sanwo-Olu mourns
Three staff of the Lagos State government, consisting of two females and a male, have died while several were injured on Thursday morning in a rail line accident at PWD/Shogunle rail crossing at Ikeja.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the incident occurred when the the driver of the bus conveying the workers was trying to cross the rail line, resulting in its being trapped on the rail by an oncoming train from Abeokuta to Lagos.
The train reportedly dragged the bus from the PWD bus stop to Shogunle before it could stop.
This was said to have been caused by the magnet attached to the train for its smooth ride on the rail.
Eyewitnesses were said to have put the blame on the bus driver who reportedly refuse to stop at the level crossing when he was signaled, thinking that he could still manoeuvre his way across the rail line.
The officials of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) were joined by Lagos residents in rescue efforts, during which the bodies of the dead were retrieved, while the carcass of the bus was removed.
Giving a situation report, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu of LASEMA confirmed the recklessness of the driver, saying that investigation revealed it as the immediate cause.
He said that the BRT bus driver was trying to beat the train road signal before the moving train rammed into the BRT bus.
“Unfortunately,three adults (two females and one male) were confirmed dead, and 84 people seriously injured.
“The injured victims have been administered first aid treatment by the agency’s medical team (paramedics) and LASAMBUS officials and were well stabilized before being transported to Ikeja General Hospital and trauma centre for further treatment.
“The agency pre-hospital care unit, LASAMBUS officials, Nigeria Police Force, LASTMA, LNSC and Nigerian Army are responders present at the scene of incident,” Osanyintolu explained.
In addition, Dr Osanyintolu said that the affected bus had been removed from the tracks, and the train recovered by the Agency’s crane.
*Lagos governor commiserates with victims’ families *
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the early Thursday morning accident.
Saddened by the event, the governor expressed deep condolences to the families of the staff who lost their lives in the accident, praying that God would grant them eternal rest.
He said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the accident. The vehicle was conveying staff of the Lagos State Government, our staff who serve the state in different capacities.
“Let’s say a prayer for the families and a prayer of mercy and protection for our state.
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.”
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu thanks Lagosians who joined the State’s first responders in the search and rescue operation, saying the true spirit of Lagos must be sustained at all times.
“A big thank you to well meaning Lagosians who immediately joined in rescue efforts. Our first responders and emergency services are on ground and we will share more information shortly,” he said.
The Governor also promised to give updates on the incident as it is deemed necessary.
