At least 21 passengers are feared dead following a tragic boat collision that occurred on Monday at Imore town, located in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos State.
The disaster unfolded when two boats, each carrying 16 passengers, collided and capsized in the middle of the lagoon.
The Lagos State Police Command, in a press release issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident. He stated that the Ilashe Police Division received a report about the accident at approximately 7 p.m. on Monday.
“Emergency responders, including marine police and local divers, were immediately mobilized to the scene and managed to rescue 11 passengers who sustained injuries,” Hundeyin said. “The injured victims were rushed to the Naval Hospital in Navy Town, Alakija, for medical attention.”
The police statement further read: “On October 7, 2024, at about 7 p.m., a distress call was received at the Ilashe Division reporting that two unregistered passenger boats, each carrying 16 passengers, collided in the lagoon at Imore town. The boats capsized, and passengers along with their goods were submerged.”
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing as some passengers remain unaccounted for. Hundeyin added that an investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched.
