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A late-night collision between two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses in the Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos has left many passengers injured, highlighting concerns about the safety standards of a transportation system meant to serve as a model for other public vehicles.
The accident occurred on Tuesday, August 27, within the BRT lane on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, near Danco Filling Station.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the injured passengers were immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Preliminary investigations by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) revealed that the collision was triggered when a BRT bus, in an attempt to avoid hitting a commercial motorcyclist illegally plying the BRT corridor, collided with an oncoming BRT bus.
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Nosa Okunbor, the head of the public affairs unit at LASEMA, confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident but noted that passengers on both buses suffered various degrees of injuries.
“Passengers of both buses reportedly suffered various degrees of injuries and were all taken to the nearest hospital before the arrival of the agency’s response team,” Okunbor stated.
This incident raises serious questions about the adherence to traffic rules by BRT drivers, who are expected to be exemplary in their conduct on the road.
As government-operated vehicles, BRT buses are supposed to maintain the highest safety standards to protect passengers and set a positive example for other public transport operators.
The Lagos State government is urged to address these safety concerns and ensure that BRT drivers are adequately trained to handle all road situations, thereby preventing future accidents and safeguarding the lives of Lagos residents.
