Nine passengers, inclusive of two children, died when a container fell on the bus they are travelling at Ojuelegba in Lagos on Sunday.
According to a witness account shared by @PoojaMedia on Twitter, the truck fell while trying to prevent a bus from overtaking it.
“A container just fell on a bus at Ojuelegba bridge.
“There are people inside the bus (full load) as health officials are giving them trips.
“We need emergency here to lift the container,” @PoojaMedia tweeted.
Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirm that the accident,
Oke-Osanyintolu said seven adults and two children died on the spot in the accident that occurred at about 1.00 p.m.
“We found that a truck conveying a 20ft container has landed on top of a commercial bus.
“After suspending the container with the aid of the Agency’s forklift and cutting off the bus’ rooftop, we rescued one woman alive.
“We have taken her to the trauma centre,” the LAEMA boss told newsmen.
He added that Nigeria Police will conduct further investigation into the accident.
Oke-Osanyintolu pointed out that there was need to remove barriers on the bridge in order “to prevent trucks from ascending”.
Earlier, the agency had twitted about the accident on its official Twitter handle at 1.13 p.m.
“A container laden truck has fallen on a bus at Ojuelegba, inwards Fadeyi.
“We are making efforts towards rescuing and evacuating the victims.”
One Will E. with @PEC_Concepts twitted: “I am beginning to think the Ojuelegba bridge was deliberately designed to sacrifice humans to the Ojuelegba deity.
“Call me crazy, but how else do you explain Lagos State government’s lackadaisical attitude for decades towards this biannual sad event at the same bridge?”
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share story(ies) of happenings in your area with The NewsZenith on WhatsApp: 08033668669 or thenewszenith@gmail.com