Six people have died following an accident involving a train and a BRT bus in Lagos, the state government said.
Recall that the BRT bus, conveying staff of Lagos State Government, collided with an on-coming train at the PWD rail crossing in Shogunle area of the state yesterday morning. The bus, number 33, heading to Alausa from Isolo, took a wrong turning at the PWD rail crossing in Shogunle, and collided with an oncoming train.
It was carrying 85 passengers, majorly civil servants, and some dependants. Two persons reportedly died on the spot, while four died in the hospital. Also, there were 42 moderately-injured persons, 29 serious injuries and eight mild injuries. 25 person have been treated and transferred to Gbagada General Hospital, Agege General Hospital and trauma centre at Toll Gate.
The State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor, has declared three days mourning. Flags are to fly at half-mast, and civil servants work half day. The Governor, who spoke at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, (LASUTH), when he visited to assess the situation and commiserate with victims, also cancelled all public engagements and campaigns.
Sanwo-Olu hailed Lagosians who joined the first responders in the search and rescue operation, saying the true spirit of Lagos must be sustained at all times. He commended the first responders, LASUTH and LASUCOM staffs and security agencies for their prompt response.
The Governor also hailed candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Jide Adeniran and Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, for visiting and commiserating with the families.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the State has the capacity to tackle emergencies, adding that investigation is ongoing and regular updates will be given as necessary. He also enjoined people to voluntarily donate blood to help LASUTH restock its blood bank.
