By Mike Ebonugwo

IT was a narrow escape from death for Vanguard staff, Starrys Obazei, on Tuesday. Indeed, he is of the conviction that but for divine intervention, he would have been a dead man, a reason for which he has been showering praises on the Almighty God for sparing his life.

*Scene of the accident showing the partially damaged container-laden truck and the wreckage of some of the bikes it crushed. Photo: Akeem Salau

His near-death story began with a commercial bus he boarded that fateful Tuesday morning. Along the way the bus got involved in an accident that almost turned fatal.

According to Starrys, the  bus was going to Berger-Underbridge via Mile Two along the Oshodi-Apapa Express Road. Trouble began when the bus got to AP Filling Station,opposite Berger Yard.

Although the driver had earlier informed that he would not stop until he reached Berger Under-Bridge, Starrys decided to take advantage of the slow-moving traffic to alight at this point. Then the unexpected happened. “One of my legs was already on the ground when we heard a deafening bang behind us.

Deafeningbang

Jolted by this, the driver pressed the accelerator and the bus   moved suddenly. Looking behind I saw a container-carrying truck tearing down at me as it swerved to avoid hitting the bus.

“My first thought was to run quickly across the road to safety, but as the bus moved, I fell flat on my back and watched helplessly as the truck hurtled towards me, and the bus kept moving beside me on the ground. At this point, I was convinced the only way to escape was to crawl under the bus and seek safety between its tyres.

“Before I could execute my dangerous decision, the truck struck, smashing everything on its way, including six motor-cycles parked by the road side. Happily, no life was lost as everyone nearby fled from its destructive path.

“I got up, dazed by the dreamlike brush with death. Indeed people who saw when I fell in front of the rampaging truck took me for dead. So, as I stood up beside the bus, many people rushed to hug me, saying: ‘Your God is wonderful; that you are alive is unbelievable.’ But I also became worried that the truck must have killed some of the Okada operators, some of whom I knew personally, especially the ones favoured by most Vanguard staff.

“So, the deafening pandemonium soon gave way to songs of joy at my fortunate escape. My joy became full when  I heard people saying: ‘Nobody was killed; the Okada men were not on their bikes when the truck came crashing, and the man that fell off the bus was not crushed; and those nearby scampered to safety’.”

Meantime, some young men who were rattled by the incident were spoiling for a fight as they threatened to beat the driver of the ill-fated truck. But some others cautioned that the driver be left alone. According to them: “He tried. His break failed and he avoided hitting that bus in front of it. Let’s thank God; at least, no life was lost.’

For Starrys: “I would have actually been the only casualty in the accident, but the Almighty God miraculously intervened to save my life. I actually saw death at a close range, but God gave me his undeserved kindness.

“My heart wells up with gratitude to God for his love for me. I can’t still believe I escaped, but God did it for me, and I can’t thank him enough. I will praise him throughout my life, and worship him with fear and trembling.”