A 50-year-old man identified as Emmanuel was tragically killed by a moving train in the Oshodi area of Lagos State on Tuesday. The incident occurred at around 9:00 a.m. near the ARENA Shopping Complex, according to the Lagos State Police Command.
The Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday.
He disclosed that the tragic event was reported to the Mosafejo Police Division by the victim’s younger sister, who arrived at the station around 1:33 p.m. on the day of the accident.
The sister, whose name was not provided, recounted that she received a phone call informing her that Emmanuel had been struck by the train while walking along the railway track.
In response to the report, a team of detectives was dispatched to the scene to investigate. The site was thoroughly examined, and photographs were taken as part of the preliminary investigation.
Superintendent Hundeyin noted that the deceased’s body was subsequently transported to a public morgue, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted to confirm the cause of death.
The exact circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear, with authorities yet to determine why the victim was on the railway track at the time.
Witness accounts have not been officially documented, and it is not known if Emmanuel was aware of the approaching train.
Superintendent Hundeyin emphasized that further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy would be conducted by the Railway Police Command in Ebute-Metta, which has since taken over the case.
This latest fatality adds to the growing number of railway-related accidents in Lagos State, raising concerns about the safety measures around the railway tracks.
The bustling Oshodi area, where the incident took place, is a known hub of commercial activity, with railway tracks running through densely populated zones. Such environments pose significant risks to pedestrians who may inadvertently stray onto the tracks.
Residents and stakeholders have often voiced concerns about the proximity of railway tracks to high-traffic areas, as well as the absence of adequate safety barriers and warning systems.
Several tragic incidents have occurred in the past, prompting calls for stricter regulations and improved safety infrastructure to prevent further accidents.
The Lagos State government, in recent years, has embarked on efforts to modernize the rail system and enhance safety, but many of these projects are still in progress.
The current incident highlights the need for accelerated measures to protect citizens from potential dangers posed by the railway system.
As the Railway Police Command continues its investigation, authorities are expected to look into potential factors such as the train’s speed, operational protocols, and any negligence that might have contributed to Emmanuel’s untimely death.
The findings will be crucial in informing future safety policies and preventing similar occurrences.
The family of the deceased is now left mourning the sudden loss, with further details about funeral arrangements yet to be disclosed.
