Not less than ten passengers who boarded a fully loaded Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle sustained varying injuries on Thursday after the bus overturned inside the dedicated BRT lane at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.
The incident, which occurred shortly after the bus departed from the Iyana Ipaja BRT park, caused significant disruption to traffic in the area.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) provided an update on the accident via its X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that the bus ran into an abandoned pedestrian bridge foot immediately after the Iyana Ipaja bridge.
This impact caused the bus to tip over onto its side, leaving passengers inside injured.
[7:45AM] LatestUpdate!#LagAbkExpWay#IyanaIpaja #AccidentReport
A fully loaded high capacity bus fell on its side inside the dedicated lane(BRT lane) with a record of 10 casualties (Victims), in which they were taken care of. pic.twitter.com/3h1gf1AhEl
— LASTMA (@followlastma) August 23, 2024
Emergency responders and LASTMA officials were swiftly on the scene to manage the situation and ensure that the victims received the necessary medical attention.
All 10 injured passengers were promptly treated, with the authorities confirming that their conditions were being monitored.
The accident has caused a traffic buildup in the area, with efforts currently underway to clear the lane and restore normal traffic flow.
Motorists and commuters have been advised to exercise caution and adhere to traffic directives as authorities work to resolve the situation.
The Head of Public Affairs Unit for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Nosa Okunbor, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday.
The statement reads, “Following distress calls to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, via the 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency lines at 0635hrs, the Agency activated its Dolphin Response Team from the Igando Base.
“Upon arrival of the Dolphin Response Team at the incident scene, the LRT discovered that a fallen BRT Bus registration number BDG 390 XR, loaded to capacity at the above-mentioned location.
“Investigations revealed that the BRT Bus had taken off from Iyana Ipaja BRT Bus Terminal and headed to Obalende before the accident occurred while the BRT Bus driver was attempting to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
“A pedestrian hawking plantain from a wheelbarrow reportedly dashed across the BRT corridor, causing the BRT driver to swerve suddenly and in the process lost control of the bus, climbed the road divider, falling on its side.
“Fortunately, no lives were reported lost due to the incident. Though some passengers escaped unhurt, many of the BRT bus passengers reportedly sustained critical injuries and had been taken to an unknown hospital before arrival of the Dolphin Response Team at the incident scene.
“All necessary safety measures has been activated to safeguard responders and road users during the operation.
“Primary responders at the incident scene are collaborating to ensure a speedy recovery of the fallen BRT bus and restoration of normalcy to the BRT corridor.
Recovery of the affected vehicles is in progress and it's expected to be completed soonest.#FollowLASTMA@Sola_Giwa@gm_lastma@Gidi_Traffic@trafficbutter@TrafficChiefNG pic.twitter.com/OD5kdbur22
— LASTMA (@followlastma) August 23, 2024
“The fallen BRT bus has been lifted upright and towed off to Moshalashi Police Station near Alimosho roundabout with the Tow Truck provided by the officials of NPF at the incident scene.”
