The Lagos State Waterways Authority has confirmed that three people died with two others still missing in a boat accident that occurred at Irewe community in Ojo, near Lagos late on Tuesday.
Two boats with a total of 18 passengers coming from opposite directions were said to have collided along the creek in Ojo local Govt Area of Lagos State.
The General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, who disclosed this in a statement, said 13 people were rescued in the incident.
“At about 6:10 p.m. today, Aug. 13, two passenger speed boats had a head-on collision along the creek in Ojo local Govt Area of Lagos State.
“There were 10 passengers in a boat coming from Ojo jetty and eight passengers in another coming from Irewe community when the incident occurred.
“Eighteen passengers in total were involved with 13 rescued alive with three fatalities and two still missing–an adult and a child.
“Search and rescue operation is ongoing by relevant state agencies and the local community who were the first responders.
“Preliminary investigations by LASWA and LASEMA revealed that the incident was caused, due to reckless driving and over-speeding on the part of both captains as one of them wasn’t in his right of way.”
He said however that investigation was still ongoing and that those found culpable would be duly sanctioned.
Oluwadamilola advised waterways users to always adhere to safety rules and regulations to avert untoward incidents.
