At least three people were injured after a crane reportedly toppled at the premises of Asiko Energy Holdings Limited in the Ijora area of Lagos on Monday, damaging major electricity lines and disrupting power supply to several communities in Apapa-Iganmu.
The crane driver was said to have sustained a serious leg injury in the accident, with sources indicating that the injury could require amputation.
The other injured victims were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The accident also damaged major electricity transmission lines supplying power to communities including Badia, Olojowon, Gaskiya and Sari-Iganmu.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, reportedly caused panic among passersby and traders in the area as they scrambled to safety.
Eyewitnesses said the crane suddenly lost balance, throwing the driver from the machine.
The bucket attached to the crane reportedly detached, while its pole fell onto the electricity wires, damaging the lines.
The exact cause of the accident remained unclear as of the time of filing this report, with witnesses giving conflicting accounts.
While some alleged that the driver may have fallen asleep while operating the crane, others attributed the incident to a possible mechanical fault.
Attempts to obtain an official reaction from the management of Asiko Energy Holdings Limited were unsuccessful, as officials reportedly declined to comment on the incident.
However, a management staff member identified as Tayo said he was unaware of what caused the accident.
Meanwhile, a senior police officer attached to the Badia Police Station confirmed the incident but dismissed reports that anyone died.
“It is true that the incident happened and our men were on ground. I can confirm to you that nobody died in the incident. Those who recorded injuries have been taken to the hospital and treated,” the officer said.
The officer’s account contrasts with earlier reports on the number of casualties, although the conflicting accounts could not be independently resolved as of the time of filing this report.
Officials of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LNSC, and other paramilitary organisations were also present at the scene.
