At least six people have lost their lives following a tragic boat accident on Lagos waterways, plunging commuters and residents into mourning.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when a passenger boat travelling along a busy water route in Lagos reportedly capsized during its journey, leading to multiple casualties. Emergency responders confirmed that six passengers were recovered dead, while several others were rescued alive.
According to preliminary reports, the boat was en route from Ilashe axis toward the Igbologun/Nigerdock channel when it encountered difficulties on the water, suspected to be linked to a collision with a submerged object. The mishap happened during night travel, a period often described by authorities as high-risk.
Rescue operations were swiftly launched by officials of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Marine Police, and other emergency agencies, who managed to save some of the passengers and rush them to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Authorities have since expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident. They also reiterated the importance of strict adherence to waterway safety regulations, including the use of life jackets and avoidance of night travel.
The latest incident has once again raised concerns over water transport safety in Lagos, as residents continue to rely heavily on boats to beat road traffic congestion.
More details are expected as rescue and recovery efforts continue.