Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state has tentatively put on hold all campaign activities to mourn Ikeja accident victims.
The Governor who commiserated with the families of the victims of the fatal accident which occurred in the early hours of Thursday that claimed about three lives , also visited the injured victims at the Lagos Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
Earlier, the New Diplomat had reported that in the early of Thursday, a moving train rammed into a BRT bus at the PWD bus stop in the Ikeja, Lagos state.
The BRT bus with the registration number, 04A- 48LA was conveying government staff in the early hours of Thursday when the incident occurred.
Reacting to the accident, Sanwo-Olu expressed shock and sorrow, registering his sincere condolences to the families of those that lost their lives in the accident, praying that God would grant them eternal rest.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, prayed that God grant the families of the victims to fortitude to bear the loss.
He also thanked Lagosians who joined the first responders in the search and rescue operation, saying the true spirit of Lagos must be sustained at all times.
The statement reads, “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.
“A big thank you to well-meaning Lagosians who immediately joined in rescue efforts. Our first responders and emergency services are on the ground and we will share more information shortly,” he added.
According to Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, “on the arrival of the agency’s response team at the scene of the incident, investigation gathered revealed that the immediate cause of the incident was due to reckless driving from part of the BRT bus driver while 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 were 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 the Lagos Teaching Hospital and trauma center 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 the incident.”
As at press time, the affected bus has been removed from the rail tracks and the train has been recovered by the LASEMA crane.
