Lagos Train Crash: 19 Victims Discharged, Says Commissioner

Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, has provided an update on the Lagos train-bus crash.

He said the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital has discharged 19 victims of the crash.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, which took place at LASUTH, Abayomi explained that the gove rnment had ensured all victims were well taken care of and provided with necessary medical treatments.

He revealed that five victims would be discharged today at the Tollgate Trauma Centre and another eight victims were expected to be discharged today at Orile Agege Hospital.

He also confirmed that a total of 102 victims were brought to LASUTH.

Abayomi said, “We got 246 units of blood yesterday and all victims were treated for free. Some people were also injured outside the bus. We want to appreciate LASEMA, LASAMBUS and all Lagosians who supported us yesterday. I must also commend LASUTH.”

In a separate interview with The PUNCH, the Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, while speaking on blood transfusion, appealed to Lagosians to come to donate blood so as to replace the ones used.

Fabamwo advised that the recruitment process of drivers, generally, should be refined.

“On blood issue, the Blood Transfusion Service of Lagos State, rose up to the challenge and they gave us as much as we needed, but we are appealing to members of the public to come and donate because we need to replenish what we have used.

“This event challenged our capability at LASUTH and I’m delighted we rose up to the challenge.

“We should further refine the recruitment process for drivers, it is a general problem, even me, I have issues with some of the people that drive me. We have to ensure that only drivers that are level-headed are brought in,” he said.

Also, the Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State in a letter signed by its chairman, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, said, “On behalf of the body of doctors in Lagos State, we wish to commiserate with the Lagos State Governor, The Head of Service, The families of those affected by the tragedy, and indeed all Lagosians on the tragedy that occurred on Thursday morning when a train collided with a Staff BRT bus conveying some members of staff of the Lagos State Government to work. It was indeed a sorrowful day for all of us.”

“We pray for the repose of the dead and wish the wounded a speedy recovery.

“We also want to appreciate all our members, ably led by the Honourable Commissioner for Health and the CMD of LASUTH, for their prompt response and continuous attendance to the victims.”