Business

Tragedy : Container crushes 7 people to death on Lagos-Badagry expressway

Published

8 years ago

July 7, 2016

No fewer than seven persons were killed and 12 others injured when a 40-foot container fell off a truck in the Alakija area on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Wednesday.

It was learnt that at about 7.30am, the truck, with number plate KRD 526 XP, moved from its lane to another lane and rammed into a commercial bus after its brakes failed.

In the process, the container the truck was carrying fell, killing seven people and injuring 12 others.

The incident happened at the Alakija bus stop.

Our correspondents gathered that some commercial motorcycle riders at the bus stop were also trapped under the fallen container.

It was learnt that the minibus, with number plate EPE 972 XH, was crushed, while its passengers were trapped.

When PUNCH Metro got to the area, policemen from the FESTAC Police Division, officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the Lagos State Fire Service were observed at the scene.

A large crowd of sympathisers were also observed trying to rescue the motorcycle riders and bus passengers trapped under the container.

A witness, Biodun Solaja, told one of our correspondents that three of the deceased were motorcycle riders.

He identified the two of them simply as Ganiyu and Mohammed.

He said, “The problem here is that motorcycle riders and bus drivers always block a part of the road in their search for passengers. Also, the road is in a bad condition and traffic is always heavy at the bus stop.

“This morning, the truck had wanted to manoeuvre its way when the container on it fell and crushed the passengers in the bus. It also crushed some okada riders at the junction. Many people were trapped under the container.

“Three okada riders died on the spot. Others had broken legs and arms. There was confusion at the bus stop for several hours.”

A policeman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the slow pace of construction work at the bus stop contributed to the accident.

He said, “Five persons died on the spot. As a result of the failed brakes, the driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed into the minibus. Apart from the five persons who were killed on the spot, several others were trapped under the container. Traffic officials were assisted by some sympathisers, who rushed several injured persons to different hospitals.

“Apart from the deaths and injuries, the container smashed about seven motorcycles and some electric poles in the area.”

An emergency official told PUNCH Metro that the casualties would have been more but for the interruption of power supply in the area.

“The electricity firm in Alakija was alerted to switch off power supply to the area to prevent electrocution because some electric poles were damaged. Heavy duty machines were used to remove the wreckage,” he added.

The General Manager, LASEMA, Mr. Michael Akindele, said three people were killed, adding that the injured persons were responding to treatment.

He said, “Investigations conducted by the agency’s Emergency Response Team at the scene of the incident revealed that the truck lost its brakes and rammed into the minibus. Thereafter, it also fell on okada riders at the bus stop. The agency’s ERT at Cappa, in conjunction with other agencies, was involved in the recovery operation.”

Akindele advised truck drivers to always conduct proper checks on their vehicles and drive within the approved speed limit. He urged motorcyclists to comply with the traffic laws of the state to forestall a recurrence.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed five deaths.

She said, “The men of the FESTAC Police Division were on the ground to help in the evacuation. As of 4pm, we had five dead bodies. The identities of the dead are unknown.”

The Public Relations Officer, LASTMA, Mahmud Hassan, said the wreckage had been evacuated from the expressway.

He said, “The truck jumped over the median after losing its brakes and fell over the commercial minibus. We have evacuated the wreckage and everything is under control.”

Business

Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas with Customers, Reaffirms Commitment to Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

Published

8 minutes ago

December 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas with Customers, Reaffirms Commitment to Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

As the world embraces the joy and warmth of the Christmas season, Adron Homes and Properties, Nigeria’s foremost real estate company, has extended heartfelt greetings to its esteemed customers while reaffirming its commitment to addressing the nation’s housing challenges.

In a message of gratitude and celebration, Adron Homes expressed deep appreciation to its customers for their trust and loyalty throughout 2024. The company highlighted its unwavering dedication to making incredible housing affordable for all Nigerians, in line with its mission of reducing the country’s housing deficit.

“Christmas is a time to celebrate family, unity, and gratitude,” the statement read. “As we reflect on the year, we are proud to have played a role in making homeownership a reality for thousands of Nigerians. Our vision is clear—to bridge the housing deficit by providing affordable, luxurious, and secure homes for all, regardless of income level.”

Adron Homes has continued to lead the real estate industry by implementing innovative solutions that make homeownership accessible, including flexible payment plans and cost-effective housing models tailored to meet diverse customer needs.

As part of its Christmas and end-of-the-year celebration, the company has launched a special festive promotions ‘Lemon Friday’ aimed at encouraging more Nigerians to join its growing community of homeowners.

“We remain committed to transforming dreams into reality. This is not just about building homes; it’s about building futures and creating opportunities for families to thrive in a space they can call their own,” the statement added.

Adron Homes extended warm wishes to all Nigerians and its global customers, urging them to embrace the season’s spirit of love and hope. “May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and prosperity this Christmas and beyond.”

Business

NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

Published

2 days ago

December 24, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), the regulatory and standardization authority in the sector, has invited professionals in the hospitality, tourism,travel and allied sectors to register as mandated by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Act 2022.

A statement signed by Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, Director-General/CEO
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism reads:

“Enjoy FREE registration from December 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025! This is your chance to register as a professional or practitioner at no cost.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to solidify your presence in Nigeria’s thriving tourism industry. Visit www.nihotour.gov.ng now!

“Hurry—free registration closes on January 15, 2025. Take the first step toward advancing your career in tourism today!”

Business

EGC Homes Unveils Goodness and Mercy Estate, Brand Ambassador

Published

2 days ago

December 24, 2024

Sahara Weekly

EGC Homes Unveils Goodness and Mercy Estate, Brand Ambassador

EGC Homes, a notable player in the real estate and property development sector, has made waves in the Nigerian market with its recent announcement of the launch of Goodness and Mercy Estate in Ogun, alongside other strategic initiatives.

The company emphasized its commitment to collaborating with the government to alleviate the housing deficit in Nigeria while prioritizing the well-being of residents.

In an interview with THECONSCIENCE NG, Oladapo Jimoh, the Managing Director of EGC Homes and Properties, expressed the brand’s long-term vision to bridge the housing gap and simplify the journey to homeownership.

He stated, “Current data estimates Nigeria’s housing deficit to be around 28 million units by 2024. This figure is among the largest globally and poses significant challenges, contributing to homelessness and various social issues.”

“National statistics indicate that our country faces a pressing need for approximately 700,000 new homes each year to address this deficit. As urbanization continues, these challenges are particularly evident in major cities, where affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce, forcing many into slums and informal settlements.”

The World Bank projects that Nigeria’s urban population could exceed 200 million by 2050, highlighting a potential social crisis as the lack of affordable housing leads to the rise of slums, especially in urban areas.

“As a forward-thinking and solutions-oriented company, we are dedicated to addressing these critical housing issues in partnership with the government.”

Following its successful launch in Lagos, EGC Homes has rapidly expanded its operations, acquiring a significant land bank across the southwestern region of Nigeria and enhancing its marketing strategies to effectively connect with customers.

The firm is committed to providing Nigerians with exceptional value, peace of mind, and simplifying the processes of land acquisition and homeownership.

“Our mission is to make life easier for Nigerians while assisting the government in tackling the housing deficit.”

Recently, the company introduced its premier property, the Goodness and Mercy Estate, located in Arepo and Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State, with more projects on the horizon. Its flexible payment plans and affordable property prices aim to cater to a wide audience.

Additionally, EGC Homes has appointed Titilayo Adebayo-Omotosho as its social media brand ambassador to promote the unique offerings of EGC Homes and Properties Limited to Nigerians both at home and abroad.

In her remarks, she highlighted her commitment to the vision of EGC Homes, stating, “I believe every Nigerian deserves a decent roof over their head. This aligns perfectly with the mission of EGC Homes and Properties, which is why I chose to represent the brand, promoting its exceptional estates and home packages to Nigerians and those aspiring to own homes here.”