The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued 17 people, including a driver, after a Compressed Natural Gas-powered commercial bus caught fire along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
One other passenger reportedly sustained severe burn injuries in the incident, which occurred at Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos-bound section of the expressway.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday.
According to Bakare-Oki, the fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, was travelling from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it suddenly burst into flames following a reported gas explosion.
The incident reportedly triggered panic among passengers and other motorists using the busy highway.
He said LASTMA officials swiftly arrived at the scene and evacuated 17 of the 18 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.
However, a male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle sustained severe burns during the fire outbreak.
The injured passenger was immediately evacuated by LASTMA personnel and taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical attention.
Bakare-Oki said personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded promptly and deployed firefighting equipment to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading.
He commended the Ojodu Police Division for providing security, maintaining order and securing the scene throughout the rescue and firefighting operations.
The LASTMA boss urged commercial transport operators, particularly those using CNG-powered vehicles, to ensure regular professional inspections and proper maintenance of their vehicles.
He also stressed the need for strict compliance with safety standards, especially in the maintenance of gas storage and delivery systems.
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives, ensuring smooth traffic flow and strengthening collaboration with emergency response agencies across Lagos State.
