BRT Bus Plunges Into Gutter After Driving Against Traffic
By Sherif Salau
A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus has plunged into a roadside gutter at Vulcanizer Bus Stop, Egbeda, Lagos State, after reportedly driving against traffic on a flooded road.
The incident, which occurred during the peak commuting period, caused panic among passengers and disrupted traffic as motorists struggled to navigate the affected route.
Eyewitnesses said the bus was moving against the direction of traffic before the driver lost control, sending the vehicle into an open concrete drainage channel beside the road.
The bus reportedly came to rest at an angle, with its front section partially submerged and one side trapped against the wall of the gutter.
One of the passengers, who recounted the incident, said the vehicle tilted suddenly, leaving occupants scrambling for safety.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to assist passengers trapped inside the bus. Rescue operations involved the use of ladders and cutting equipment to gain access to the vehicle.
Several passengers reportedly sustained injuries, including bruises, cuts and suspected fractures. At least 10 people were said to have been taken to hospital for further medical attention, although the injuries were not considered life-threatening.
The driver was also examined by paramedics and subsequently questioned as part of the investigation into the incident.
Preliminary accounts indicated that the bus had been travelling against the designated direction of the BRT lane. The driver was suspected of entering the lane through an unauthorised access point or attempting to bypass congestion on the adjoining road.
However, authorities said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The accident also triggered traffic congestion as motorists sought alternative routes. Recovery teams spent several hours removing the bus from the drainage channel before clearing debris from the area.
The incident has renewed concerns about compliance with traffic regulations and safety along Lagos’ BRT corridors, where dedicated lanes are intended to improve public transportation and reduce travel time.
Road safety advocates have called for stricter enforcement, improved surveillance and stronger barriers to prevent unauthorised access to dedicated bus lanes. They have also highlighted the risks posed by open drainage channels along busy roads.
A spokesperson for the transit authority said the agency was cooperating with the police investigation, adding that passenger safety remained a priority.
The spokesperson said access controls would be reviewed and appropriate measures taken after the facts surrounding the incident had been established.
Meanwhile, commuters affected by the disruption expressed frustration over the delays, while others said the incident underscored the dangers of reckless driving and violations of traffic regulations.
