By Muhammad Mamman
In a poignant ceremony on Monday, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Badagry Unit Command in Lagos State returned £692,850 in cash and mobile phones recovered from a devastating accident scene to the relatives of the victims. The tragic incident, which occurred on 6 July along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway, saw a Mazda commercial bus carrying 18 passengers collide with a stationary lorry at the Atura axis, resulting in eight fatalities and 13 severe injuries.
Unit Commander William Manga, overseeing the handover, recounted the harrowing details of the crash. Six passengers perished instantly at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries en route to hospital. The remaining 13 victims, battling serious injuries, were promptly transported to Badagry General Hospital for urgent medical care. The FRSC team, lauded for their professionalism, ensured the deceased were respectfully transferred to the hospital’s mortuary.
Commander Manga attributed the catastrophe to excessive speed and reckless overtaking by the bus driver, underscoring the preventable nature of the tragedy. He also noted that relatives of some victims had previously collected sums of £40,000 and £5,000, reflecting the FRSC’s ongoing efforts to support affected families.
Tsoho Babangida, accepting the recovered items on behalf of four victims, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the FRSC’s compassion and diligence in reaching out post-accident. Haruna Sanni, Chairman of the Arewa Community in Badagry, revealed that the victims were traders from Mile 2, en route to Seme to procure carrots, potatoes, and other produce. He praised Commander Manga and his team for their empathy and commitment in returning the victims’ belongings, offering a small measure of solace amidst the grief.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, with the FRSC’s actions highlighting their dedication to both rescue operations and supporting bereaved families in the aftermath of such calamities.
