Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the early Thursday morning accident involving a train and a Lagos State Government staff bus, which happened between Shogunle and Ikeja axis.
The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Gboyega Akosile, sends deep condolences to the families of those that lost their lives in the accident, praying that God would grant them eternal rest.
He said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the accident. The vehicle was conveying staff of the Lagos State Government, our staff who serve the state in different capacities.
“Let’s say a prayer for the families and a prayer of mercy and protection for our state.
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.”
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu thanks Lagosians who joined the State’s first responders in the search and rescue operation, saying the true spirit of Lagos must be sustained at all times.
“A big thank you to well meaning Lagosians who immediately joined in rescue efforts. Our first responders and emergency services are on ground and we will share more information shortly.” He said.
The Governor promised to give updates on the incident as it is deemed necessary.
Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu was at LASUTH to understand the condition of the victims of the bus/train accident.
He said the team at LASUTH expertly setup an outdoor triage centre which has contributed in saving lives, speeding up injury level profiling and supporting immediate critical action.
Sanwo-Olu said “This was a totally avoidable incident that simply required patience and the need to follow proper transportation protocol.
“There were 85 pax on board the bus with 6 deaths, 42 moderate injuries, 29 serious and 8 mild injuries according to the LASUTH classification scale.
“Lagos is in a state of mourning and for the next 3 days, I am suspending all campaign activities. All flags will be flown at half mast and tomorrow all civil servants will work till 12 noon before returning home to be with their loved ones during this trying time.
“It is still a critical period for some of the patients as we continue to call for blood donations across different state government medical facilities.
“This is a call for our humanity to rise above all. I also thank LASEMA, the security agencies, staff and students of LASUTH for rising up to the occasion as soon as this unfortunate incident happened.”
