Tragedy averted as train hits truck in Lagos

Tragedy was averted on Tuesday when an overcrowded Lagos-bound train from Ogun state collided with a truck at the Shogunle railway crossing area of Lagos.

According to a NAN correspondent aboard the train, the incident occurred around 8:00am.

He said the refuse clearing truck had tried to rush past the railway crossing ahead of the approaching train, but was unsuccessful.

The correspondent said the train driver, seeing the partial blockage of the track by the truck, reduced speed, an effort which reduced the impact of the collision and saved the train from derailing.

In spite of the speed reduction, the train hit the back of the truck which was still on the track, the impact of which injured some passengers.

Following the impact, the truck hit the barrier at the crossing, which also hit a nearby electric pole.

Passengers aboard the train were said to have commended its driver for preventing it from derailing, as it continued to the Shogunle station where some passengers alighted and others came on board.

Niyi Alli, director of operation, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), said the truck had been impounded by the corporation and taken to its headquarters at Ebute Meta Junction.

“The owner of the vehicle too is liable for the cost of damage, although, we are yet to ascertain the cost of damage,’’ he said.

On Friday, a Lagos-bound train from ijoko in Ogun derailed at Iju station.

The derailment disrupted the services of the corporation for the whole day, leaving hundreds of its passengers heading for Kano stranded at its terminus in Ido, Lagos.