A 55-year-old motorist had a miraculous escape on Thursday when a moving train collided with his Honda car at the PWD Railway Crossing in Lagos. The incident caused severe traffic disruption but fortunately, no life was lost. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) responded promptly to the emergency, working alongside security personnel to manage the situation. The Honda vehicle, with registration number EKY 902 JT, was completely wrecked in the collision.
The impact of the collision was severe, leaving the vehicle a total write-off. However, the driver miraculously survived the crash without sustaining any injuries. LASTMA operatives, in collaboration with security agencies, quickly rescued the motorist and removed the mangled vehicle from the railway track. This swift action allowed the train to continue its journey towards Agege after the obstruction was cleared.
Despite the swift evacuation, traffic remained heavily congested around the PWD corridor as the incident disrupted the normal flow of vehicles in the area. The damaged vehicle was later handed over to security personnel for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. This incident highlights the importance of prompt emergency responses in preventing more devastating outcomes.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the prompt and coordinated response of the agency’s operatives and security personnel. He described their actions as professional and instrumental in preventing a more tragic outcome. Bakare-Oki emphasized the importance of effective collaboration among emergency response agencies, situational awareness, and rapid intervention in reducing the impact of transportation emergencies.
Bakare-Oki also stressed that motorists must strictly obey railway safety regulations, warning against attempting to cross railway tracks when a train is approaching or already in motion. Disregard for railway safety rules could lead to tragic and irreversible consequences. He urged motorists and other road users to remain vigilant, exercise sound judgment, and comply with traffic and railway safety regulations at all times.
The LASTMA boss appealed to motorists to prioritize the protection of lives, noting that many avoidable crashes can be prevented through responsible behaviour, patience, and strict adherence to established safety guidelines. He maintained that this incident served as a reminder of the importance of railway safety and the need for all road users to be aware of and comply with safety regulations.
The incident has raised concerns about railway safety in the region, with many calling for increased awareness and enforcement of safety regulations. The Lagos State government has been working to improve safety measures at railway crossings, including the installation of warning systems and improved lighting. The government has also been educating motorists and pedestrians on the importance of railway safety.
Key points
- A 55-year-old motorist survived a train collision at the PWD Railway Crossing in Lagos without sustaining injuries.
- The incident caused severe traffic disruption, but prompt emergency responses helped prevent a more devastating outcome.
- LASTMA has urged motorists to strictly obey railway safety regulations to prevent avoidable crashes.
