Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the accident involving a train and a Lagos State Government staff bus, which happened between Shogunle and Ikeja axis.

The governor, who visited LASUTH with his deputy, Femi Hamzat and other government officials, condoled with the families of those that lost their lives in the accident, praying that God would grant them eternal rest.

He said: “I was at LASUTH for on the spot assessment of the condition of the victims of the bus/train accident.

“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.

“This was a totally avoidable incident that simply required patience and the need to follow proper transportation protocol.

“There were 85 passengers 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, and everyone who rose up to the occasion as soon as this unfortunate accident happened.

“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, thanked 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.”

When asked about the fate of the driver, Lagos State Police Commissioner said: “Our attention is largely on saving lives, then an investigation will commence thereafter.”

Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), who visited the scene said an investigation should commence to unravel what led to the accident. “This is unbecoming, just less than 24 hours after the Akere Market incident.

The first thing to do is to commiserate with the families of those that lost their lives. We pray that God gives them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss; it’s about time we began to construct barriers that will prevent vehicles from accessing the tracks when a train is approaching; vehicular movement should be stopped three kilometres from a train. The government should take this responsibility to prevent the loss of lives.”

Also, the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC ), Lagos State Command, Commandant of Corps Usman Ishaq Alfadarai, has ordered the Disaster and Crisis Management Team of the Command to carry out further mop up rescue operation and protection of life and property of residents .

Alfadarai, also joined the Executive Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo – Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, to visit LASUTH, to see the victims and ascertain the state of their medical situation.

The first thing to do is to commiserate with the families of those that lost their lives. We pray that God gives them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss; it’s about time we began to construct barriers that will prevent vehicles from accessing the tracks when a train is approaching; vehicular movement should be stopped three kilometres from a train. The government should take this responsibility to prevent the loss of lives.”

Also, the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC ), Lagos State Command, Commandant of Corps Usman Ishaq Alfadarai, has ordered the Disaster and Crisis Management Team of the Command to carry out further mop up rescue operation and protection of life and property of residents .

Alfadarai, also joined the Executive Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo – Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, to visit LASUTH, to see the victims and ascertain the state of their medical situation.

In a statement by Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation (Public Affairs), Dr. James Odaudu, he solicited the cooperation of members of the public as investigation by the NSIB team commences.

Also, Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo, said: “We are saddened by the news and we pray for eternal repose for those who have lost their lives and we pray the Almighty God to grant them eternal rest and we pray for a speedy recovery to the injured.

“We commiserate with the families of the victims and particularly the governor and people of Lagos state. Please accept our deepest concern and sincere condolences.

“We also appreciate the Corporation we got from the Lagos State Government, NEMA and concerned Nigerians who swung into action after the ill-fated incident to ensure the site was cleared and the injured got treatment almost immediately.”