An unnamed commercial bus driver was confirmed dead in a tragic accident involving two yellow-colored vehicles known as ‘danfo’ and a government-owned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus on Wednesday. The accident occurred around the Ogudu bridge, heading towards the Alapere area of Lagos State, Nigeria, resulting in vehicular movement coming to a standstill and causing a long traffic jam along the usually busy axis that connects the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
According to Adebayo Taofiq, the Spokesman for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the accident was caused by over-speeding by the buses. “The accident involved a BRT bus and two commercial buses,” he stated. “One of the drivers of the commercial buses died on the spot, and there were passengers with minor injuries.”
The situation was compounded by heavy rainfall in the area, which further worsened the traffic gridlock. However, LASTMA officials were swiftly deployed to the scene to manage the traffic, and other first responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), were also present.
According to LASEMA’s statement, further investigation revealed that the BRT bus lost control and rammed into the commercial bus from behind, causing the yellow commuter bus to overturn. Tragically, the adult male driver of the commercial bus lost his life in the incident, and several others sustained injuries and were taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.
The incident sparked anger among some members of the public, leading to an angry mob setting the BRT bus on fire. The situation was eventually brought under control with the combined efforts of LASEMA, Lagos state fire and rescue service, Nigeria Police Force, and LASTMA. The body of the deceased driver was recovered and handed over to the police.
The burnt remains of the BRT bus were later removed from the scene with the assistance of a private tow truck provided by Lagos Bus Service Limited (LBSL), and the road was reopened for vehicular activities.
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the need for caution and adherence to traffic regulations to prevent accidents on Lagos roads, which are notorious for their congestion and hazards. Authorities continue to urge drivers and commuters to prioritize safety and exercise caution while using the roads to avoid such devastating incidents.