Many passengers were injured on Tuesday when two BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) vehicles collided head-on in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reported via X that the accident occurred within the BRT lane on the Lagos Abeokuta Expressway, near Danco Filling Station.
In a brief statement, LASTMA confirmed that the wounded passengers were quickly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. "A head-on collision involving two BRT buses has occurred within the BRT lane on Lagos Abeokuta Express Way, around Danco Filling Station. Wounded persons have been rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatments," the post read.
Nosa Okunbor, a spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), provided further details on the incident. According to Okunbor, the accident occurred when a BRT bus, heading towards Iyana Ipaja, swerved to avoid hitting a commercial motorcyclist illegally using the BRT corridor. The maneuver led to a collision with an oncoming BRT bus.
In a related incident on the same day, another "fully loaded high capacity" BRT vehicle overturned within the dedicated BRT lane, resulting in 10 casualties. The victims were promptly attended to by emergency services.
These incidents come just weeks after several BRT passengers were robbed in broad daylight in the Orile area of Lagos, raising concerns about safety and security on the city's public transport system.
As Lagosians grapple with increasing road accidents and security issues, these latest incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations within the BRT corridors.