FG orders immediate investigation into Lagos train accident

VOICE AIR MEDIA News Update

THE Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has ordered the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to begin investigation into the Lagos train/BRT bus accident.

A train collided with BRT bus carrying passengers in Ikeja, Lagos State, leading to the death of many people and injury of several others.

This occurred on Thursday, March 8, 2023 at Adekunle Fajuyi way in Ikeja.

The train which was coming from Agege collided with BRT with state civil servants on board, while it was trying to cross the rail linking Ikeja GRA.

The accident has caused traffic congestion on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway for drivers coming from Oshodi around Shogunle to Ikeja-Along.

The minister described the accident as an unfortunate one, promising that the NSIB would get to the root of the incident, and look for how to prevent future reoccurrence.

This was revealed in a statement released by the minister’s Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr James Odaudu.

The minister calls for cooperation of the people as the NSIB team commences an immediate investigation.

He sympathized with the government and residents of Lagos State, especially those whose relations were affected and wished the injured sound recovery.

Those who witnessed the scenario said the driver refused to stop at the level crossing when told.

A person who witnessed the scene, who’s identified as Babs said the keepers of the NRC at the level crossing told the driver not to proceed because of the incoming train but he didn’t obey the directive.

Babs added that the driver of the BRT thought he could cross the rail line before the incoming train reaches it.

The VAM recalls that fire on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 razed the Akere Spare parts market in Ajegunle, Olodi-Apapa, killing one man.

The victim of the fire incident who’s identified to be a security person in the market, was reportedly gunned down by suspected hoodlums when he attempted to stop them from burning down the market.

It was gathered that some armed hoodlums invaded the market around 3am, set many shops on fire and took the life of the security man before running away.

The combined efforts of police officers from Tolu Division and operatives of the Lagos State Fire Service assisted in putting off the fire.

The incident was confirmed by the state fire service, as it revealed that rows of auto spare parts shops were set on fire.

Report also has it that those who were present to rescue the situation prevented the inferno from migrating to a nearby gas station, which could have worsened the situation.

“However, a male adult was recovered by the Tolu Police Division of the Nigeria Police around the scene while the Lagos Neighborhood and Safety Corps and the Red Cross were also in attendance.

“The cause of the fire will require detailed investigation to ascertained as well as post incident enumeration to account for the number of lockup shops and wares lost,” it said.

The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin said the fire incident was suspected to be arson.