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Seventeen people have been rescued after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus caught fire along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, leaving another passenger with severe burns.
The incident occurred at Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos-bound section of the expressway following a reported gas explosion.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.
According to the agency, the bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, was carrying 18 people, including the driver, from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it caught fire.
LASTMA personnel evacuated 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries. However, a male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle suffered severe burns.
“The unfortunate incident involved 18 occupants travelling from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the fully loaded vehicle reportedly caught fire, triggering panic among passengers and other motorists plying the busy expressway.
“In a swift and professionally coordinated emergency response, LASTMA personnel promptly mobilised to the scene, successfully evacuating and rescuing 17 occupants, including the driver, without any injuries.
“Regrettably, one male passenger, who was seated at the rear section of the vehicle, sustained severe burn injuries during the inferno,” LASTMA said.
The injured passenger was taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for urgent treatment.
Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded to the incident and put out the fire, while personnel from the Ojodu Police Division secured the area and managed the crowd during the emergency operation.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the agency’s personnel and other emergency responders for their swift intervention and coordination.
He urged commercial transport operators, especially those using CNG-powered vehicles, to carry out regular professional inspections, observe safety regulations and ensure their gas storage and delivery systems are properly maintained.
Bakare-Oki also reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to road safety and collaboration with emergency agencies across Lagos State, while appreciating the fire service and police for their support.
