A 55-year-old driver survived without injury on Friday after a train struck his Honda car, with registration number EKY 902 JT, at the PWD railway crossing in Lagos. The train, heading towards Agege, collided with the vehicle at the intersection, leaving the car extensively damaged but the driver unharmed.
Adebayo Taofiq, director of public affairs and enlightenment at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), confirmed the incident in a statement. He said the train was travelling towards Agege when it hit the vehicle at the PWD railway intersection.
Rescue Operation at the Scene
LASTMA operatives and security personnel arrived at the scene and pulled the driver to safety from the wreckage. They also cleared the mangled car from the tracks, allowing the train to continue its journey to Agege once the vehicle had been removed. No fatalities or injuries were recorded, but the car was left extensively damaged. Security personnel took custody of the wreckage for further investigation.
Despite the quick response, Taofiq said heavy traffic congestion remained around the PWD area following the crash, causing delays for commuters in the zone.
LASTMA General Manager's Warning
LASTMA general manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki praised his operatives and the security agencies for how quickly they coordinated the rescue. He used the incident as an opportunity to remind road users of the dangers of ignoring railway safety rules.
“Motorists must exercise caution around railway crossings and designated train corridors,” Bakare-Oki said, warning that no driver should attempt to cross the tracks while a train is in motion or approaching.
He added that both compliance with traffic regulations and rapid emergency response are critical to cutting down on accidents and saving lives, stressing that human life must remain the top priority for all road users.
Impact on Commuters
The incident caused significant traffic build-up around the PWD axis, affecting commuters in the area. The quick removal of the vehicle allowed the train to proceed, but road congestion persisted for some time after the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, with the wreckage now in the custody of security personnel. The driver’s survival without injury has been described as miraculous, given the extent of damage to the vehicle.
