Six persons have been confirmed killed and 79 others injured, when a moving train rammed into a bus from one of the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme,  near PWD bus stop before Oshodi, on Thursday.

Spokesperson of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq confirmed the sad incident.

He said the bus was used to convey staff of the Lagos State Government.

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, said, “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.

“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 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.”

Also, a spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency in Lagos, Ibrahim Farinloye said, “The State Government staff bus was trying to cross the PWD/Sogunle rail crossing while the train coming into Lagos from Abeokuta trapped the bus on its rail.”

In a swift reaction to the unfortunate incident, Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who expressed sadness, registered his sincere condolences to the families of those that lost their lives in the accident, praying that God would grant them eternal rest.

Speaking on Thursday afternoon, when he visited victims of the accident at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu, hinted that 85 people were involved in the accident out of which 42 had moderate injuries, 29, serious injuries, eight with mild injuries, while six people had died so far.

The governor commended all responders, staff of LASUTH and LASUCOM, security agencies for their prompt response, as well as his two political opponents, Jide Adediran and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour for also visiting the victims, noting that Lagos has the capacity to tackle emergency.

He also expressed appreciation to residents who assisted the state’s first responders in the search and rescue operation, saying “the true spirit of Lagos must be sustained at all times.”

Sanwo-Olu, who said investigation was ongoing, appealed and encouraged public spirited Nigerians to come forward voluntarily and donate blood to re-stock the blood bank.

Meanwhile, the driver of the bus is currently in the custody of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja.

“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”, Sanwo-Olu said.

In a related development,  one person has been feared dead in a multiple accident involving a trailer,  18-seater bus belonging to GUO motors, a Sienna car, Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Matrix car.

The crash occurred on Thursday morning, February 9, on the Kara Bridge axis of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and has caused heavy gridlock on the bridge inwards OPIC.

The gridlock  has also extended beyond Berger affecting outbound movement to Lagos.

According to eye witness report, the trailer rammed the vehicles from behind which led to the Toyota Matrix car falling off the bridge.

The number of casualties is currently unknown. However, the unconscious body of a hawker was seen lying on the road