By 9jaeye 
Tragedy struck on Monday, October 7, 2024, when a boat accident occurred at Imore town, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos State. The Lagos State Police Command confirmed on Wednesday that three bodies have been recovered, with several passengers still missing. The accident involved two boats that collided while traveling on the Lagos waterways, leading to a devastating incident that has left the community in shock.
Details of the Accident
The tragic event unfolded when two unregistered boats, carrying passengers, collided mid-lagoon. One boat was traveling from Ebute Ero to Badagry, while the other was moving from Alakija to Imore. The collision, which occurred at around 7 p.m., caused both boats to capsize, throwing all passengers into the water. Emergency responders, including local divers and marine police, immediately rushed to the scene to rescue survivors and recover bodies.
Rescue Efforts and Government Response
By Wednesday, authorities had recovered three corpses, while rescuers saved 11 injured passengers and rushed them to the Naval Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija, for medical attention.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), along with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), are continuing rescue operations, focusing on retrieving the remaining passengers who are still missing. Rescue operations have been intensified, with local divers and emergency teams working around the clock.
Legal and Safety Implications
Following the accident, LASWA has detained the manager of one of the boats involved, citing violations of safety regulations and negligence. Authorities have expressed concern over the safety measures of unregistered boats and are considering stricter enforcement to prevent future tragedies on the waterways. The Lagos State government has promised to investigate the root cause of the collision and take steps to ensure that all operators comply with safety standards.
Families Await News
While the search continues, the families of the missing passengers are anxiously awaiting updates on the fate of their loved ones. The incident has left the community reeling, prompting many to call for immediate improvements to safety measures on Lagos waterways.
This boat accident has raised awareness about the urgent need for better oversight of water transportation in Lagos, where such incidents have become all too frequent.
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