Nigeria: Van plunges into Lagos river, occupants missing

A white Toyota Hilux van with registration no. KSF 918 AU, belonging to Ikoyi Club, plunged into the Majidun River near Ikorodu in Lagos State on Saturday.

Rasaq Fadipe, Director of the State Fire and Safety Services, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) he learnt the van plunged into the river at about 6.00 a.m on Saturday.He however could not give the number of those involved in the accident, saying rescue officials were yet to ascertain the number of those in the vehicle shortly before the accident.

The official said the vehicle which was heading towards Ikorodu had veered off the road before plunging into the river.“We have brought the vehicle out of the river but we are still searching for the occupants.“We have been told by eye-witnesses that the van was on high speed when it plunged into the river,’’ he said.Fadipe urged motorists to take alternative routes until the road would be re-opened to traffic.

“The situation is under control as officials of the State Traffic Management Authority, State Waterways Management Authority, State Emergency Management Agency and the police are all on ground,’’ he said.Two vehicles — a commercial bus and a Toyota Camry saloon car — had on Nov. 23, 2012 plunged into the Majidun River