On Friday afternoon at Ketu, inward Ojota in Lagos State, chaos erupted w placehen a collision involving multiple vehicles took under the Ojota interchange bridge. The incident involved a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus, a commercial yellow bus (known locally as Danfo), and an articulated truck carrying a 40-foot container. According to reports, the articulated truck, en route to Ketu, lost control suddenly, veering off its lane and crashing into the oncoming BRT bus headed towards Ojota. The impact was severe enough to push the BRT bus off its path into the service lane, where it collided with the Danfo.
The scene, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, was promptly responded to by the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA). Their team, dispatched from the Command and Control Centre, arrived at noon to assess and manage the aftermath. Despite the intensity of the collision and ensuing chaos, thankfully, no fatalities were reported. However, 19 passengers suffered injuries of varying degrees. Immediate medical attention was provided on-site, with 15 injured individuals transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment. LASEMA’s pre-hospital care unit, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), attended to the injured, stabilizing them before evacuation.
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, who was present at the scene, coordinated efforts with Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials to manage traffic and facilitate the safe removal of the vehicles involved. The incident caused a significant traffic gridlock along the busy Ketu-Ojota axis, leaving many motorists stranded for hours.
Meanwhile, in another part of Lagos, specifically at Magodo Phase 2, Isheri area, another emergency unfolded. LASEMA, alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, responded swiftly to distress calls regarding a fire outbreak in a one-storey residential building on Alhaji Jubril Street. The fire, which started unexpectedly, ravaged the building and destroyed property worth millions of naira. Eyewitnesses described how the flames quickly engulfed the main duplex, spreading through its five rooms and subsequently consuming another wing of the building, comprising three bedrooms and a living room.
The response team from LASEMA’s command center at Alausa acted decisively to evacuate residents to safety and contain the blaze, preventing further escalation. Mrs. Magaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, led efforts to extinguish the fire and secure the affected area.
In both incidents, the coordinated efforts of emergency response teams played a crucial role in mitigating further damage and ensuring the safety of residents and commuters. The incidents underscored the importance of rapid response capabilities and effective collaboration among emergency services in handling such crises in densely populated urban areas like Lagos.
The aftermath of these emergencies serves as a reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures on Lagos roads and within residential areas. Public awareness campaigns on road safety and fire prevention, coupled with robust emergency preparedness, remain essential in safeguarding lives and property across the state.
As authorities continue to investigate the causes of these incidents, residents are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety in their daily activities. The Lagos State Government, through its emergency management agencies, reassures the public of ongoing efforts to enhance emergency response capabilities and improve safety standards across the metropolis.
In conclusion, while the incidents at Ketu and Magodo Phase 2 resulted in considerable disruption and damage, the swift response of emergency services and the absence of fatalities highlight the effectiveness of preparedness and collaborative efforts in mitigating such emergencies.
