Scores Escape Death In Fire, Auto Crash

Many Lagos residents and commuters escaped death yesterday when fire gutted a house and when a truck rammed into three buses. Fire, which broke out about 6:39a.m. at 43, Shogbamu Street, New Garage, Bariga, destroyed property worth millions of naira, while an articulated truck carrying a container hit three commercial buses otherwise called Danfo at Fatgbems bus stop on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.
Speaking on the incidents, the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, (LASEMA), Mr. Michael Akindele, said the agency received an alert via the Command Control Room, Alausa about 6.39a.m., which prompted immediate activation of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Lagos State Fire Service from Ilupeju and Ikeja Fire Stations, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) and the police to the scene.

According to him, preliminary investigation carried out by the ERT at the scene of the incident revealed that the inferno was caused by an electrical surge from an electronics shop. Akindele, who said that nobody died or sustained injury, disclosed that the timely intervention of the Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency responders stopped the spread of the inferno to other buildings.

He said: “However, nine rooms were affected at 43, Shogbamu Street, while one room was affected at 45, Shogbamu Street, while five shops all at No 43 were burnt with goods and property worth millions of naira inside the shops.” Akindele advised residents to always ensure that all electrical appliances are switched off after the close of work or when not in use at home.

The GM also warned against the use of naked cables and illegal connection. Meanwhile, four people sustained serious injuries in the auto crash.

One of the victims was taken to the hospital by passers-by before the arrival of the ERT, while the other three were given first aid treatment by LASEMA Medical Team and LASAMBUS. They were later taken to the Trauma Centre for further treatment.

It was also learnt that the accident, which involved a truck with registration number AKD 279 XR and three commercial buses marked BDG 721 XJ, GGE 759 XN and KJA 25 XH, was caused by illegal stopping of the commercial bus drivers picking passengers on the expressway.

Akindele advised motorists to avoid reckless driving and overspeeding. He also urged them to always adhere to all traffic rules and regulations to avoid accidents. Other agencies at the scenes of the incidents included Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA), the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the police.