Driver Escapes Unhurt as Train-Car Collision Causes Traffic Gridlock in Lagos

A 55-year-old motorist escaped unhurt after a moving train collided with his Honda car at the PWD railway crossing in Lagos, leaving the vehicle extensively damaged and causing traffic congestion in the area.

The collision involved a train travelling towards Agege and a Honda car with registration number EKY 902 JT.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed that its officials, working alongside security personnel, rescued the driver and removed the wrecked vehicle from the railway tracks, allowing the train to continue its journey.

However, traffic congestion persisted around the PWD area following the incident, as road users navigated the affected section.

LASTMA said the damaged Honda car was handed over to security personnel to facilitate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the officials and security personnel for their prompt response, describing their coordinated efforts as important in managing emergencies involving railway lines and adjoining roads.

Bakare-Oki urged motorists to exercise caution when approaching railway crossings and areas designated for train movement, warning against attempting to cross the tracks when a train was approaching or already in motion.

He cautioned that “reckless disregard for railway safety protocols could precipitate devastating and irreversible consequences”.

The agency also reminded motorists and other road users to comply with traffic regulations and railway safety guidelines, stressing that responsible driving was essential to preventing avoidable accidents.

LASTMA emphasised that “the preservation of human life must remain paramount in all road-use decisions”, urging drivers to prioritise safety when navigating railway crossings.

The incident highlights the dangers of collisions between trains and road vehicles, particularly at railway crossings where motorists must remain alert and comply with safety instructions.

In a related incident in March, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said 26 passengers and crew members sustained varying degrees of injuries following a train incident along the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor near Asham Station.

The NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, said the incident occurred after a loud bang was heard as part of the train formation collided.

He disclosed that the Kaduna-Abuja service, KA-2, had departed Rigassa Station at 7:15 a.m. and arrived at Jere Station at 8:52 a.m., one minute ahead of schedule.