LAGOS, NIGERIA – A massive fire has swept through the Olowu spare parts market in Lagos on Thursday, March 30, 2023, causing significant damage and loss of goods worth millions of naira.
The affected shops contained various items for sale, including air-conditioners, vehicle parts, and motorcycles.
The Lagos State Fire Service and security operatives have been working diligently to bring the situation under control and prevent further damage to the market and its surrounding area.
This incident comes just three weeks after a similar fire outbreak at the Akere Spare Parts Market on Kirikiri Road, Olodi-Apapa, in Ajegunle. The cause of the fire at the Olowu spare parts market has not yet been determined, and investigations are ongoing.
Traders affected by the fire now face the challenge of rebuilding their businesses and recuperating from the significant financial losses.
Train Collision With Lagos Government Staff Bus Kills 6
A tragic incident occurred earlier today, Thursday, March 9, 2023, when a train collided with a government staff bus in Lagos, resulting in the death of six people. The collision occurred at a railway crossing near Ikeja, a suburb of Lagos.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, which was carrying government employees, attempted to cross the railway track despite the warning signals indicating an incoming train. The train, traveling at a high speed, collided with the bus, resulting in a devastating impact that claimed the lives of six people on board.
According to reports, the train driver applied emergency brakes, but it was too late to avoid the collision. The collision resulted in the derailment of the train, causing significant damage to the locomotive and several rail cars.
Rescue teams arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and transported the injured to nearby hospitals. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) also deployed its personnel to manage the aftermath of the collision and facilitate the evacuation of the dead and injured.
In a statement released to the press, the Lagos State Government expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that an investigation would be launched into the incident to ascertain its cause.
The incident highlights the need for drivers to obey traffic signals and exercise caution when crossing railway tracks. It also underscores the importance of continuous safety training for transportation operators and the need for investment in modernizing Nigeria’s aging transportation infrastructure.
The government has promised to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, and the public awaits the outcome of the investigation with bated breath.
“After a report to the Lagos Territorial Office, the Emergency Response team mobilised to the scene of a bus/train collision,” a message from the emergency response agency said.
“The State Government staff bus was trying to cross the PWD/Sogunle rail crossing while the train coming into Lagos from Abeokuta trapped the bus on its rail.
“Two adult females staff of the State Government died on the spot and several injured evacuated.
“Four additional injured persons have died on arrival at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital of the 84 injured and evacuated to the hospital.”
