A fully loaded high-capacity Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle has overturned inside the dedicated BRT lane at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.
10 passengers were injured in the accident which occurred shortly after the bus had departed the BRT park at Iyana Ipaja.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that no death was recorded in the accident that happened around 0635hrs on Friday (today).
Head, Public Affairs Unit-LASEMA, Nosa Okunbor, said: “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.
“An Hausa 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.
“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.
“Road has been re-opened for vehicular activities. Recovery operation concluded,” he stated.
