NSIB Begins First Major Road, Rail Accident Probe
Following the directives of the minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on Thursday, the former Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), now the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), will commenced its first investigation into a major road/rail accident that occurred today when a transit train collided into a BRT bus at the PWD bus stop in the Ikeja area of Lagos state.
Following the directives of the minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on Thursday, the
former Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), now the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), will commenced its first investigation into a major road/rail accident that occurred today when a transit train collided into a BRT bus at the PWD bus stop in the Ikeja area of Lagos state.
The accident which involved the passenger train and a bus conveying workers to their work places in Lagos, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika directed (NSIB) experts to commence Immediate investigation into the accident.
General Manager, Public Affairs of NSIB, Mr Tunji Oketunbi, confirmed that NSIB has started preliminary investigation on the accident.
He said the personnel are already at the accident scene of the accident.
Sirika described the accident as unfortunate, and assured the public of the capacity of the NSIB to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the accident and proffer ways of preventing such in the future.
The Minister also appealed the members of the public to assist the team in the investigation by the NSIB.
He commiserates with the government and people of Lagos state, especially those who have lost their loved ones, on the sad event, and prays for the quick recovery of those injured in the accident.
Two persons were confirmed dead, while many sustained various degrees of injuries during the crash.
Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, PS of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), who was on the scene of the accident said unfortunately, two adults were confirmed dead and several people seriously injured
“On arrival of the agency’s response team at the scene of incident, it was discovered that a Viale BRT bus with an unknown registration number and a train was involved in an accident at the above mentioned address” .
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, investigation gathered revealed that the immediate cause of the incident was due to reckless driving on the part of the BRT bus driver while trying to beat the train traffic 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, well stabilized and being transported to trauma center at LASUTH Ikeja for further treatment.
The agency’s LRT at Cappa alongside LRT at C3, LRU paramedics at C3, Onipanu, Cappa, LASAMBUS officials, Nigeria Police Force, LASTMA, LNSC and Nigerian Army were responders present at the scene of incident.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the accident.
The Governor, who is saddened by the event, sends deep condolences to the families of those that lost their lives in the accident, praying that God would grant them eternal rest.
“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.” He said.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu thanks Lagosians who joined the State’s first responders in the search and rescue operation, saying the true spirit of Lagos must be sustained at all times.
“A big thank you to well meaning Lagosians who immediately joined in rescue efforts. Our first responders and emergency services are on ground and we will share more information shortly.” He said.
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