No fewer than eight people died on Wednesday at the MKO Garden end of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when an 18-seater Mazda bus carrying passengers somersaulted and burst into flames.
The acccident, which occurred around 5pm, is believed to have been caused by a mechanical fault in the bus with registration number XW 812 APP.
The bus, according to eyewitnesses, had picked passengers from Mile 2, and was going to Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, when the accident occurred.
However, there were conflicting reports on the actual cause of the accident. While some witnesses said the bus somersaulted after its propeller broke, others said it was the tyre that burst while the bus was on high speed.
Our correspondent, who was at the scene, reported that some of the victims were burnt beyond recognition, while those who sustained injuries were rushed to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
Although the accident caused a minor traffic jam on the expressway, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency were on hand to ensure the free flow of traffic.
Spokesman of the state police command, Mr. Frank Mba, confirmed the accident but said five people died.
“Five people died, while five others were rescued but are seriously injured. They are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. Others managed to escape with minor injuries and have been treated and discharged,” Mba said.
He told our correspondent that the police were still investigating the cause of the accident.
Mba said, “Right now the cause of the accident is unknown, but the policemen at Isheri Division are investigating the incident.
“This incident also brings us to the fact that we need to drive carefully during this period. This is the Christmas period. Vehicle owners should make sure that their vehicles are roadworthy and they should not buy second-hand tyres.
“Passengers should also be quick to call the driver to order when he is driving recklessly or overspeeding. Passengers are also stakeholders in any journey. This, they should know.”
Source:http://www.punchng.com
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