One die, another injured in auto crash along Apapa-Oshodi expressway

A motorist crushed a trader to death, yesterday, at Ladipo auto spare parts market, Toyota bus stop, along Apapa-Oshodi expressway, Lagos.

The incident occurred at about 7:00 a.m.

Later, another person miraculously escaped death after he was hit by a car at about 9:47.a.m, at the same bus stop.

The survivor, however, lost a finger and was suspected to have sustained a spinal cord injury, which left him unable to walk.

Recall that traders at the market had appealed to the Lagos State government to construct a pedestrian bridge in the area.

The administration of former governor, Akinwumi Ambode, had promised to construct a footbridge, however, this was not done till he left office.

Several reports by The Guardian have also underscored the need for a footbridge in the area following deaths caused by hit and run drivers.

Secretary, Ladipo auto spare parts Market, Onyeka Igwe, said: “We have been appealing to the Lagos State government, and we do so every month. The Toyota bus stop axis is very important. But you know the government and how they do things.”

When asked about the government’s response, he said: “They tell us every time that they will look into it and do something.”

He added: “The government is not serious about the project. They would have included it in the budget if they wanted to do it. Ladipo is a critical place but it’s unfortunate that these incidents will continue because the government is not willing to build the bridge.”

When The Guardian reached out to the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, he suggested that people ought to use the footbridge nearby.

He said: “We used to walk from Five Star bus stop to Toyota bus stop. I worked at The Guardian for over 13 years. I used to disembark at Five Star and walk to the office. It’s not far.”

Nevertheless, he added: “I will ask the engineer. We will do something about it.”