Train, BRT Collision: How We Begged Driver To Wait — Survivor

One of the survivors of the accident between a train and a BRT bus in Lagos simply called Titilayo has recounted how the driver of the latter refused to heed their pleas to wait for the train to pass.

The death toll from the collision has reached seven while those who sustained injuries are receiving treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Narrating what happened, Titilayo, a middle-aged staff of LASUTH who was injured in her lower limbs disclosed that the BRT bus driver continued driving when he got to the intersection at PWD, Ikeja.

“I boarded the staff bus while going to work this morning (yesterday).

“The incident happened around 7.15 am. When we got to the intersection at PWD in Ikeja, the driver continued driving.

“Passengers inside the bus, including myself, begged him to wait for the train to pass before crossing, but he didn’t listen.

“Midway, just before he could finish crossing the rail tracks, the accident happened.

“Many of us were rushed here, while five others were taken to Gbagada General Hospital”, she shared.

Some of the victims at LASUTH

An eyewitness named Musa Hayatou also revealed what he saw at the accident scene.

“From what I saw, so far, two people died on the spot.

“Many of them were rescued from the ill-fated bus, but some of them were critically injured and it will take the grace of God for them to survive. Some victims who suffered broken bones were rushed to the hospital.

“I don’t know if more people have passed on. Another victim was hit by a large stone.

“I don’t know whether he was still living or not before he was eventually taken away by officials of Lagos State Emergency Agency, LASEMA.

“I think the fault is from the driver, because before a train gets to a level crossing, it begins to horn from a kilometre away and, if you are a good driver, you should be aware of the loud horn alerting people.

“This is the first time an accident involving a train and a BRT bus happened here.

“However, we usually have accidents involving BRT buses with other vehicles at the bus stop.”

The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has been advised by the Lagos State Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Babatunde Farinloye, to install iron bars at railway level crossings to prevent trains from running into vehicles.