BRT Vehicle Crushes 60 year old man

A Bus Rapid Transit vehicle has knocked down a 60-year-old man in the Irawo area, along the Ikorodu Road.

In the accident on the Ikorodu Road, it was gathered that the sexagenarian, Johnny Idika, wanted to cross to the other side of the road when the BRT bus, en route to Ikorodu, knocked him down.

A commuter, Deji Olayiwola, said the man died on the spot, adding that the driver of the bus had been handed over to the police at the Owode Onirin division.

He said, “The accident occurred around 7pm on Friday close to Irawo. The bus was speeding. Drivers are supposed to slow down at that spot because there is no pedestrian bridge there and people want to cross. I have complained to the BRT management on many occasions about their drivers.  The man died on the spot and the police from the Owode Onirin division intervened.”

But the Chief Security Officer, Primero Transport Services Limited, which is managing the BRT corridor, Mr. Cletus Okodolor, denied that the driver was speeding.

He, however, said the firm had initiated talks with the deceased’s family for an amicable resolution.

He said, “The accident happened on the BRT exclusive lane. There are areas provided for pedestrians to cross; they are supposed to use either the pedestrian bridge or the walkway provided specifically for them. The pedestrian bridge was not too far from where the accident happened. He could have used the bridge. People might assume that the driver was on speed because the man died.

“We train our drivers and they are not to exceed 45km/hr on the lane.

“However, we are trying to see what we can do for the family. Even though the man was on our lane, the company will assist the family for the burial and other things. We sympathise with the family.

“We are to serve the public and make sure they enjoy our services.

“We are not bringing sorrow to people.

“We urge commuters to understand that the BRT lane is meant for our buses only. They should not be entering it anyhow. They should use the provided crossing area.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chike Oti, confirmed the accident and the resolution move between the transport firm and the deceased’s family.