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The Lagos State Government has reacted to the incident in which an ambulance struck a participant near the finish line at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday.
A video circulating on social media shows runners approaching the finish area before an ambulance, moving along the race route, comes up from behind and makes contact with one of the participants near the medal collection zone.
Public reaction to the footage has been swift, with many expressing concern over safety protocols, crowd management and the movement of emergency vehicles within an active race corridor.
Reacting to the development, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said the ambulance involved was part of the marathon’s medical emergency response team.
According to him, the vehicle was transporting athletes who had earlier required medical attention when the incident occurred close to the finishing area.
Omotoso stated that the woman sustained bruises and complained of chest pains but was stabilised at the scene.
“Officials immediately alerted the ambulance crew to stop upon noticing the situation,” he said.
“The emergency medical team promptly assessed and evacuated the affected individual for on-the-spot care before transferring her to a public health facility for further evaluation.”
He added that the athlete’s vital signs remained stable and that she is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
The commissioner further disclosed that the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Sports Commission are closely monitoring her condition, with senior government officials visiting the hospital where she remains under medical supervision.
Omotoso said a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is one of Africa’s largest road races, attracting thousands of local and international runners annually. (Daily Trust)
•PHOTO: The moment an ambulance struck a participant near the finish line at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday
