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Tag: container

  • Five women die as container crushes bus in Anambra

    Five women die as container crushes bus in Anambra

    Five women died yesterday after a container fell on a commercial bus at Odumodu Junction on Nteje-Awka Road, Anambra State.

    The state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, told newsmen in Awka that the container fell off a trailer and crushed the nearby bus.

    Irelewuyi said the accident occurred at 7.30 a.m. as the driver was avoiding a failed portion of the road.

    “The fatal crash involved two unidentified drivers of a Mistibushi L300 commercial bus with registration number XE245AWK and a commercial Daf/Leyland truck with number T-19094LA.

    “According to eyewitnesses, the vehicles were headed to different locations; one to Awka and the other to Onitsha.

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    “When the vehicles got to the bad spot at same time, and due to the weight of the container, it fell on the bus,” the sector commander said.

    He said that 10 persons – three male adults and seven female adults – were involved in the crash.

    “Five women were killed, two men and two women sustained injuries while one man was rescued unhurt.

    “FRSC rescue team took the injured victims to Divine Care Hospital, Umunya, while the dead victims were taken to Chira Hospital for doctor’s confirmation before the bodies were deposited at New Jerusalem Mortuary in Nteje,” he said.

    Irelewuyi said that efforts were being made to remove the obstruction created by the accident.

    He sympathised with the families of the dead and wished the injured quick recovery.

    He urged motorists to drive with caution.

  • Railway begins container transfer

    Railway begins container transfer

    The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) said it has commenced the transportation of containers from Apapa Port to Ebute Metta Junction (EBJ).

    The initiative, which will fully roll off in October, is meant to ease traffic jam at the Apapa Port and its environs.

    Because the corporation does not have enough space, it would not encourage the delicate issue of demurrage, as each person would be given just two hours to clear their load, adding that anyone who fails to do so would be black listed.

    NRC’s Director of Operations Mr Niyi Alli, who briefed newsmen on the development, said already the corporation is inundated with requests by freight forwarders and importers ready to patronise the service.

    He also disclosed that the corporation is working with the state government especially the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), to ensure effective management of traffic along Murtala Muhammed Way in Ebute Metta, to prevent the transference of traffic congestion from Apapa to Ebute Metta.

    Alli said the containers will be moved by dedicated train to the district office at Ebute Metta.

    He said: “We have started container shuttle services. We intend to run a number of dedicated trains into the port and bring out containers to Ebute Metta with the intention to help decongest the ports.

    “When the initiative finally comes on stream, we shall be running about three trains a day, each carrying about 20, 40 feet containers just to relieve the congestion at the port. This was done by NRC initiative to bring succour to Lagos residents.

    “The corporation has partnered with some stakeholders and organisations at the port to make it work effectively.”

    Describing the new initiative as a pilot scheme, Alli said the corporation has plans to introduce similar bay at Ijoko, to serve importers in the Abeokuta, Sagamu and Agbara axis, and thereafter to Dagbolu, an Ibadan, Oyo State capital suburb.

    “If we get it right here we will commence movement of containers to Abeokuta and Ibadan and other states within the country to prevent congestion in Apapa port,” he said.

  • Container crushes pastor, wife, kids, another in Lagos crash

    Container crushes pastor, wife, kids, another in Lagos crash

    •Three sustain injuries

    A pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), his wife, their two children and a church worker, were crushed to death by  two containers yesterday in Lagos while on their way home from  the monthly Holy Ghost vigil of the church.

    Three others were injured.

    Pastor Charles Ito and his wife Rosaline were killed. The names of the children and the church worker could not be immediately confirmed.

    The Nation gathered that two tyres of the truck carrying the containers unexpectedly lost pressure which made the vehicle tilt heavily on one side, just by the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) terminal on the Lagos /Ikorodu road, Ojota.

    The truck soon lost its balance, flinging the two containers down and on the mini bus in which the pastor and other victims were travelling.

    Time was about 3 am.

    The five died on the spot.

    Three others were trapped in the crushed bus.

    Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Fire Service, and Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) raced to the scene and succeeded in rescuing the three.

    Among those rescued were Olasunkanmi Adeogun of 133, Olatunji Street, Ojota, and another young man identified as Ifeanyi.

    All the victims are from RCCG Province 8, sources said yesterday.

    They said the bus belonged to the late pastor.

    The scene was littered yesterday with dismembered human parts, which were later packed by rescue workers.

    Eyewitnesses said the trailer driver fled the scene as soon as the accident occurred. His conductor was however apprehended and handed over to the police.

    Hoodlums who got to the scene early were said to have attempted to rob the rescue workers.

    The saving grace was the police and NSCDC operatives drafted to the spot.

    The accident triggered a traffic gridlock on the route and officials had to break the median demarcating the BRT lane to make way for the heavy duty equipment used in clearing the scene.

    Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni who was at the scene confirmed that five persons were killed and three others rescued alive.

    He said it was time people started obeying traffic laws, adding that apart from the truck’s bad tyres, it lacked capacity to carry the two containers.

    He said: “We will spare nothing to arrest the driver of this truck. Even the truck owner, under the Lagos State Traffic Rules, has some questions to answer. We would focus attention more on people conforming with the law.

    He urged those who suspect that their relatives could be among the victims to go to Alausa Police Station for identification.

    Also speaking, the General Manager LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu said: “Around 3:45am today (Saturday), our men got here after we received information that people were trapped in a bus that was smashed by container. We had to break the median for equipment to access the spot and we noticed that three of the persons trapped were alive.

    “Fortunately, we were able to bring them out alive, while the other five who were already dead, have been evacuated as well.”

    The agency, later issued a statement saying: “The agency’s emergency response team (ERT) received a distressed call regarding an accident at Ojota bus stop on the July 8, 2017, about 4:02am. This prompted the immediate activation of the agency’s ERT to the scene of the incident.

    “Investigation carried out by the ERT at the scene revealed that an articulated truck with registration number AKD 663 KF conveyed 40ft container laden with plywood fell on Volkswagen commercial bus (Danfo) with registration number FST 944 XR which the passengers were trapped.

    “The prompt intention by the LASEMA response unit led to the rescue of three victims who were taken to the Trauma Centre Toll Gate, while five dead bodies trapped in the bus were extricated and taken to Ikorodu General Hospital Mortuary.”

  • Five dead as container falls on bus in Lagos

    Five dead as container falls on bus in Lagos

    Five persons were feared dead on Saturday morning when a container fell on a commercial bus in Ojota area of Lagos.

    Three others were rescued from the wreckage.

  • Three Okada men, one woman die as container falls on bus

    Three Okada men, one woman die as container falls on bus

    •Four injured 

    Three commercial motorcyclists and a woman were yesterday crushed and four others injured after a container fell on a bus in Lagos.

    Seven commercial motorcycles (Okadas) were also involved in the accident.

    The incident occurred around 8am  at Alakija bus stop on Badagry expressway, after the 40 feet container, driven by John Idiyo, rammed into an empty commercial bus marked EPE972XH.

    It was gathered that the container was on a truck with number plate KRD526XP.

    The Nation learnt that after colliding with the bus, the container fell on it and trapped five motorcyclists who were at the bus stop.

    Three died on the spot. Emergency workers rescued two others who sustained severe injuries.

    Their motorcycles were damaged.

    Officers from Festac Police Station  rescued from a mob. He is in their custody.

    The accident, an eyewitness said, was caused by failure of the truck’s brake. It also hit some electric poles.

    Soon as the accident occurred, the electricity distribution company in charge of Alakija was contacted to disconnect the area in order to avoid people being electrocuted.

    A policeman who spoke under anonymity said: “The driver lost control. He was trying to avoid the motorcyclists when the container fell and crushed them. An empty bus was also crushed. We will investigate what led to the loss of control.

    “It would have been more disastrous if today wasn’t a public holiday because the place is usually crowded,” she added.

    Mr Iluha, brother of one of the injured victims, Bamahi said his brother sustained severe injuries from the accident.

    He explained that the need to gather money for his 24-year old brother’s treatment prompted him to go back to the scene where they both work.

    “I was still at home when they told me my brother has been hit by a truck. He usually leaves before me by 5am or 6am. I leave by 7am. We work there together. His right leg got broken. The General Hospital in Ikeja said blood entered his stomach and that he has to be operated. They said he would not be attended to unless we bring money. They have not told us the amount. That is why I am here to look for money.”

    He added one of the deceased men was from his home town.

    According to the Chairman of Okada riders at the bus stop, who simply identified himself as BZ, the woman who died was trying to cross the junction when she got hit.

    “The woman came to buy banana, so she hired an Aboki to carry them. They were trying to cross when the truck crushed her,” he said.

    Confirming the incident, the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Michael Akindele said the injured were rushed to the hospital.

    “The agency’s heavy duty equipment (Goliath) and other heavy duty equipment from CCE Construction Company were used for the recovery process.

    “Trailer owners and drivers are advised to ensure proper checks and road worthiness on their trucks. They should also drive within the approved speed limits.

    “Motorcyclists need to also obey the state’s traffic law to avoid avoidable deaths such as this,” said Akindele.

    He said investigation conducted by the agency’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) at the scene of the incident revealed that a trailer with 40ft container with number plate, KRD 526 XP lost its brake and ran into a commercial mini-bus marked Epe 972 XH, thereafter fell on Okada riders at the bus stop.

    “The agency’s Emergency Response Team at Cappa in conjunction with the Lagos State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, LASEMA officials, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), LASAMBUS and officials of the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company, CCECC were involved in the recovery operation.

    “The commercial mini-van and seven commercial motorcycles (Okada) were badly damaged as a result of the accident. Five persons were involved in the accident. This comprises three dead male adults while two persons sustained severe injuries and had been taken to the hospital for treatment,” he said.

    Akindele added that the Eko Distribution Company was quickly alerted to switch off the power supply in order to prevent any form of electrocution as the tanker also damaged some of the company’s poles.

    He said the agency’s heavy duty equipment and other heavy duty equipment from the CCECC were used for the recovery process.

    Akindele urged Okada riders to adhere to the traffic law in order to avoid loss of lives and properties such as this.

  • Driver escapes as container crushes bus

    Driver escapes as container crushes bus

    It was a lucky escape for a driver yesterday when a container fell on his bus in Ilasamaja, Mushin, Lagos.

    The driver, Sunday Eneche and his motor boy jumped out of the bus before it was crushed by the container which fell off a trailer.

    Eneche was on his way to deliver bread to customers in Ojota, Lagos.

    The driver said the trailer was behind him when he saw the container tipping towards his direction.

    The driver said: “There was no way I could overtake the trailer because I noticed he was trying to avoid a pothole. I waited for the trailer to move forward. When I saw that the back tyre was trapped in the pothole, myself and the motor boy jumped out of the bus because it almost fell. The bus is not mine; I work with a bread company. I don’t really know if the driver was taking to a hospital because I couldn’t think straight when the trailer fell. I can’t really tell what happened afterwards. There were no casualties.”

    An eyewitness, Ismail Omikunle, described Eneche as “lucky.”

    Had it been the container trapped him inside the bus, he would not have survived, Omikunle said.

    “The driver was rolling on the floor thanking God for saving his life. Passerby also thanked God with him,” he said.

    Omikunle, Wheel Oil Filling Station Manager, pleaded with the government to rehabilitate the Cele to Sadiku portion of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

    Residents, he said, had lost count of the accidents involving trailers around the area.

    Besides, Omikunle said, the traffic gridlock the potholes are causing was unbearable.

    Motorists, he said, are stuck for hours in the gridlock daily. A passerby said sympathisers broke the trailer’s windscreen to rescue the driver.

    A trader, Mrs Bose Adediran, said she was in her shop when she heard a loud bang, adding that she saw the bus driver, saying: “God saved me”.

    She said: “I am so happy no one died because I don’t know how I would continue to trade here if lives were lost. It wasn’t the trailer driver’s fault. There is a big pothole on that spot. At times vehicles breakdown causing gridlock.”

    Mr Goddy Obitolu said he saw people running when he looked and saw that the container had tipped to a corner.

    “We shouted for the driver to come out and immediately the trailer fell but before then the driver called some people to help him push his car away from the trailer because his bus was also stuck and one of his back tyres was trapped in the pothole, at this point, the trailer was now falling so we shouted on them and they fled,” he said.

  • Frozen foods container falls in Oshodi

    Frozen foods container falls in Oshodi

    A trailer, marked SMK 259XO, conveying frozen foods fell yesterday at the tip of the bridge at Oshodi along the Oshodi/Apapa Expressway.

    The fallen container-laden truck caused heavy traffic jam, but the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials rose to the occasion.

    An eyewitness, who didn’t give his name, said the trailer fell on another trailer with  number-plate KTU 929 XM. The other trailer also carried a container.

    “If not for the container that fell on the other trailer, it would have somersaulted and landed on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminus and it definitely would have crushed commuters. By now, we would be counting the number of injured and dead persons,” he said.

    Another eyewitness, Saburi, said it would have been another disaster if not for the trailer.

    He said: “The container is stronger than the trailer carrying it. As it fell, the content in the container started to defrost and its back tyres deflated. We don’t know if it is fish or apple but the fan was still rolling.”

    Also, a container fell in Ojodu Berger which caused gridlock along Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    There were no casualties recorded.

    At the time of filing this report, it was gathered that a towing vehicle was on its way to remove the container.

    LASTMA spokesman, Mahmud Hassan, said the container and the trailer had been moved to the road side, leaving two lanes for motorists to ply.

    “The gridlock has been managed. Motorists are moving freely,” he said

  • ‘Concessioned Inland Container Depots ill-equipped’

    ‘Concessioned Inland Container Depots ill-equipped’

    Customs chief Abdullahi Dikko-Inde yesterday said concessionaires of the Inland Container Depots (ICDs) projects have no equipment to carry out their job.

    The Comptroller-General spoke in Abuja during the inauguration of the committee on the  ICD projects that comprises NCS officers  and personnel of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

    He likened the inability of the concessionaires to when the Federal Government introduced service providers that operated in the country for a year without equipment only to invest money they made from the system .

    Dikko said: “The concessionaires have no equipment; they don’t have and we should not shy away from telling the government that they don’t have.

    “It is just like the situation we found ourselves when  service providers were introduced into Nigeria. For one year, they did not bring anything to operate in Nigeria and they were collecting money.

    “The money they collected from Nigeria was what they invested. It was only when I became the Comptroller-General that  I put pressure on them and they started providing scanners.”

    The Customs chief assured  stakeholders that the NCS has a system of knowing any cargo departing from anywhere in the world, noting that it has a system of tracking cargoes.

    Dikko however explained to the council that the Customs was yet to implement the single window due to what is embedded in the framework, especially the modern technology in clearing procedure.

    He said: “There are issues that have to do with legal backing, which I am sure with the new government if the president settles down, I am sure we will introduce the legal framework for his assent.”

    According to him, Customs contributes 25 per cent of goods clearing procedure.

    Speaking on the occasion, Executive Secretary,  Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, said the NSC has been the driver of the national single window.

    He congratulated the Customs on the single window system. He said: “We will like to see its implementation because it will be a tool for policy formulation and for our trade; it will enhance the ease of doing business.”

    Bello said the council has been saddled with the responsibility of tracking cargoes, stressing that the assignment would result in risk mitigation.

    Inaugurating the committee, Dikko said it was to examine the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ICD concessionaires and the NCS prepared in accordance with the relevant provisions of the ICD Agreement.

    The committee, he said is to among other things, develop a workable roadmap for effective release and smooth flow of ICD bound containers/cargoes to and from the seaports.

    The committee was tasked to recommend applicable software (electronic data interchange ) for use and adoption by the ICD concessionaires/operators at the respective dry ports.

  • Container crushes four to death in Lagos

    Container crushes four to death in Lagos

     No fewer than four people were yesterday crushed to death when a 40 feet container fell off a trailer and landed on two commercial buses at Ketu, a suburb of Lagos.

    The  accident which was said to have occurred in the early hours of the day took place on the lane of vehicles heading towards Mile 12 and Ikorodu areas of the state. The accident, it was learnt, caused traffick gridlock in area forcing many road users to take alternative routes to get to their destinations.

    Eyewitnesses gave different accounts about how the accident occured. A trader who identified himself as Sanni Mohammed said the accident was as a result of break failure on the part of the trailer.”We were just resuming for business that early hour of the day when we saw the driver pumping his brake and making all efforts to control the vehicle.

    At that point, we sensed that danger was looming but before we knew what was happening, it rammed into the commercial buses picking passengers on the road. The container fell on two of the buses and killed some of the passengers. The casualty

  • ‘Why container depots are still idle’

    The Inland Container Depots (ICDs) are yet to take off because they have not been gazetted by the Federal Government, Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) Executive Secretary Alhaji Hassan Bello has said.

    Until the ICDs are listed as ports of origin and destination, they cannot become functional, he said.

    Since the dry ports were established in 2006 by the government, cargoes have yet to be consigned to them. They are in Isiala Ngwa (Abia State), Ibadan (Oyo), Kano, Funtua (Katsina) and Maiduguri (Borno). Efforts are on by the government to establish one each in Kaduna and Gombe states.

    But the ICDs are yet to solve the perennial port congestion.

    Bello told The Nation that as soon as they are gazetted they would become operational.

    “There is a legal framework, because these ports have to be designated and declared as ports of origin and ports of destination, before they could operate.

    “The Inland Container Depots are ports of origin and ports of destination. The Federal Government is very serious about declaring them as such.The ICDs are being concessioned to private operators and the people are ready to run the dry ports.

    “Dry ports are conceived to solve the problem of perennial port congestion. They are ports in all aspects. It is just that you do not see water. But cargo can be consigned from anywhere to these ports. They are in six locations for now.

    “The essence is to have the ports brought to the doorstep of the shippers.”

    Bello said when the ICDs are ready, shippers would be clearing cargoes from the inland instead of going to the seaports.

    He said there must be a legal framework for the ICDs to be gazetted, adding that the committee set up by the Minister for Transport, Senator Umar Idris had submitted its report on the issue.

    “In a very short time, they will be declared as ports of origin and destination. People can consign cargo, or export cargo from the dry ports.”

    “The ICDs are very significant because they are ports like the Tin-Can Island Port. They are ports in all ramifications in the sense that you will have the presence of Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, terminal operators, clearing agents and other shippers there. With this, the economy would get a boost and there will be industrial clusters around them like warehouses and haulage businesses and other ancillary industries.

    “As a matter of fact, Niger Republic is actually waiting for the commencement of these dry ports so that they can consign their cargo to them. This will be easy because it will make transportation cheap and bring shipping to the door steps of inland shippers,” Bello said.