Today, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) sprang into action following distress calls about a severe traffic accident at Ojota, inbound Maryland.
The agency received alerts via the 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency lines at 4:43 AM, leading to the activation of its Tiger Response Team from the Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.
Upon arriving at the scene at 5:05 AM, responders found a yellow commercial bus, registered as APP 209XZ, wedged against an articulated truck, registration number T4845LA, which was carrying a 40-foot container.
The collision had occurred when the bus, traveling at high speed, crashed into the rear of the slow-moving truck caught in a traffic gridlock. This unfortunate incident not only disrupted vehicular movement in the area but also trapped two individuals inside the bus.
Despite the severity of the crash, there were no fatalities reported at the site. However, both the male and female occupants of the bus suffered varying degrees of injuries.
The scene was quickly cordoned off to ensure the safety of the emergency responders engaged in the recovery operation.
LASEMA’s Lagos Response Team coordinated the recovery efforts, implementing traffic control measures alongside the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to mitigate further incidents.
Utilizing sophisticated equipment, including a giant crane known as Charlie, the team efficiently lifted and removed the wrecked vehicles from the roadway, facilitating the resumption of traffic flow before the peak rush hour.
Damage assessments revealed that the front of the commercial vehicle was severely damaged, leading to the entrapment of its passengers. Fortunately, the articulated truck remained unscathed, with its cargo intact.
The two victims were promptly rescued and received immediate medical attention from LASEMA’s Pre-Hospital Care Team, in collaboration with LASAMBUS, at the scene. They were subsequently transported to the Accident and Emergency Centre at 7-Up (old Toll Gate) for further treatment.
The recovery operation concluded successfully, with both vehicles removed to a nearby layby and handed over to officers from the Opebi Police Station. The road has since been reopened, restoring normal traffic flow in the area.
In attendance during this critical operation were members of the LASEMA Response Team, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigerian Police Force, and LASTMA, all working collaboratively to ensure public safety and swift resolution of the incident.
