…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Tragic Accident:
A Nigerian Army sergeant, identified as Sergeant Jidean Samson, lost his life in a devastating train accident in Lagos on Wednesday, June 9, 2023.
The incident occurred when the officer attempted to cross the rail line at the PWD area of Ikeja, Lagos State, and was struck by a passenger train.
The train was en route to Iddo in Lagos from Ibadan when the collision took place.
Recurring Train Accidents:
This recent train accident in Lagos follows another tragic incident that took place just three months prior.
In that incident, a passenger train collided with a Lagos State government staff bus at the same location, resulting in the loss of six lives and injuries to approximately 80 passengers.
The repeated occurrences of train accidents at this spot raise concerns about safety measures and precautions.
Eyewitness Account and Military Response:
An eyewitness, who spoke to Daily Trust, shared that the train accident happened around 6.30 pm on Wednesday.
Additionally, a military source revealed that the 9th Brigade of the Nigerian Army had been notified of the sergeant’s death.
The military authorities then transported the deceased soldier’s body to the Military Hospital mortuary in Yaba, Lagos.
Lack of Official Response:
Despite attempts to obtain a response, the Deputy Director of Public Relations for the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in charge of Lagos and Ogun State, Lt. Col Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, did not provide any comment or statement regarding the tragic incident.