55-Year-Old Motorist Escapes Unhurt As Train Rams Car At Lagos PWD Railway Crossing
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
A 55-year-old motorist escaped unhurt on Thursday after a moving train collided with his Honda car at the PWD Railway Crossing in Lagos, in an incident that caused severe traffic disruption but no loss of life.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said its operatives, alongside security personnel, responded promptly to the emergency involving the Honda vehicle with registration number EKY 902 JT and a train travelling towards Agege.
The impact of the collision completely wrecked the vehicle, which was described as a total write-off. However, the driver miraculously survived the crash without sustaining any injuries.
LASTMA said its officers, working in collaboration with security agencies, quickly rescued the motorist and removed the mangled vehicle from the railway track, allowing 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.
Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the prompt and coordinated response of the agency’s operatives and security personnel, describing their actions as professional and instrumental in preventing what could have resulted in a more devastating outcome.
Bakare-Oki stressed that effective collaboration among emergency response agencies, situational awareness and rapid intervention are critical to reducing the impact of transportation emergencies, particularly those involving railway infrastructure.
He also urged motorists to strictly obey railway safety regulations, warning against attempting to cross railway tracks when a train is approaching or already in motion.
According to him, disregard for railway safety rules could lead to tragic and irreversible consequences.
The LASTMA boss appealed to motorists and other road users to remain vigilant, exercise sound judgment and comply with traffic and railway safety regulations at all times.
He maintained that the protection of lives must remain the foremost priority for all road users, noting that many avoidable crashes can be prevented through responsible behaviour, patience and strict adherence to established safety guidelines.
