Train Crushes Man to Death at Agbado Railway Station in Lagos

A man has tragically been crushed to death by a train at the Lateef Jakande Railway Station in the Agbado area of Lagos State, sparking renewed concerns over safety around rail corridors in the state.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, confirmed the incident in a media statement on Tuesday, expressing deep sorrow over the death. The authority also dismissed earlier reports suggesting that the train involved belonged to the Oyingbo to Agbado Mass Transit service operated by First Metro Nigeria Limited. Investigations have revealed that the train responsible was operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, a fact corroborated by a senior NRC official.

According to LAMATA, the incident occurred at approximately 6:10 p.m. on Monday near the Alagbado axis of Agbado. Eyewitnesses said that the victim appeared to be under the influence of hard drugs and ignored repeated attempts by bystanders to restrain him before the train struck him.

The statement from LAMATA, signed by its Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, stressed the need for accurate reporting to prevent misinformation and public panic. “Investigations by LAMATA have confirmed that the train involved was in fact operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation. While we extend our condolences to the family of the deceased, we urge media organizations to verify facts with LAMATA before publication,” the statement read.

This tragic incident adds to a worrying pattern of accidents on Lagos railways. In October 2024, a man was crushed to death by a moving train in Ikeja, only ten days after another fatality occurred in Oshodi. These repeated incidents have highlighted the urgent need for increased safety measures and public awareness along rail tracks.

Safety experts have also called for more robust interventions, including physical barriers around tracks, public education campaigns, and the provision of counseling and rehabilitation for individuals struggling with substance abuse, which can put them at higher risk near moving trains.

Authorities have urged Lagos residents to exercise extreme caution near railway lines, to avoid trespassing, and to report unsafe activities to relevant authorities. Meanwhile, investigations into the latest incident are ongoing, with both LAMATA and the NRC reviewing protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.