Seventeen passengers, including the driver, have been rescued following a fire outbreak involving a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The incident occurred at Berger Bus Stop, along the Lagos-bound section of the expressway, after the fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, reportedly caught fire following a gas explosion.
The vehicle, which was conveying 18 occupants from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos, was engulfed in flames, triggering panic among passengers and other motorists.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said its personnel swiftly mobilised to the scene and rescued 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.
However, one male passenger, who was seated at the rear of the vehicle, sustained severe burn injuries. He was evacuated by LASTMA officials and rushed to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical attention.
Personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded promptly, deploying firefighting equipment to extinguish the inferno and prevent further damage.
Officers of the Ojodu Police Division provided security support, maintained law and order and secured the scene throughout the rescue and firefighting operations.
Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the agency’s personnel and other emergency responders for their swift intervention and effective collaboration.
Bakare-Oki said the successful rescue operation underscored the importance of prompt emergency response, inter-agency cooperation and adequately trained personnel in preventing loss of lives during road emergencies.
He also urged commercial transport operators, particularly those using CNG-powered vehicles, to ensure regular professional inspections, proper maintenance and strict compliance with prescribed safety standards.
He stressed the need for thorough checks of gas storage and delivery systems to prevent avoidable accidents.
The LASTMA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives, ensuring smooth traffic movement and strengthening collaboration with emergency response agencies across Lagos State.
He also expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force for their support during the operation.
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