Williams Kayode
Commuters and bystanders were thrown into confusion on Thursday morning after a train coach unexpectedly detached along the busy Ladipo stretch of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m. as the train, which departed from Ogba Ayo in Ogun State en route to Apapa, Lagos, experienced a sudden decoupling of its rear compartment. The malfunction temporarily disrupted movement and intensified traffic congestion in an already gridlocked corridor.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as passengers were jolted and onlookers scrambled for safety. One observer, Oloruntoba Omodele, told Daily Post that the disconnection sparked alarm, but thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were recorded.
“Everyone was shocked by what happened, but thankfully no lives were lost,” Omodele said.
Emergency response teams were quick to arrive at the scene, coordinating the removal of the detached coach and easing traffic buildup. Their swift intervention helped prevent further complications, especially in a location known for dense vehicular movement and frequent transport-related incidents.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the root cause of the mechanical failure. However, industry experts are calling for a comprehensive investigation and renewed attention to rail maintenance, particularly as Nigeria’s urban transport systems face growing pressure from increasing commuter volumes.
Transportation safety analysts also flagged the incident as another reminder of the urgent need to upgrade aging rail infrastructure, improve inspection protocols, and enforce stricter maintenance compliance—especially on high-frequency commuter routes like the Lagos-Abeokuta corridor.
As of the time of this report, train services on the route have resumed normal operations, though transport authorities have pledged to monitor the system closely in the coming days.