The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has rescued 17 people, including a driver, after a fire broke out on a fully loaded compressed natural gas, CNG, powered commercial bus along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The incident occurred at Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos-bound section of the expressway when the bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, reportedly caught fire following a gas explosion.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the vehicle was travelling from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it suddenly burst into flames, triggering panic among passengers and other motorists.
He said LASTMA officials quickly mobilised to the scene and rescued 17 of the 18 occupants without sustaining injuries.
However, one male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle suffered severe burn injuries during the fire.
Bakare-Oki said the injured passenger was evacuated by LASTMA personnel and taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical treatment.
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He added that officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene and deployed firefighting equipment to put out the flames and prevent the fire from spreading.
Personnel of the Ojodu Police Division also provided security support, maintaining order and securing the scene throughout the rescue and firefighting operations.
Following the incident, the LASTMA general manager 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, particularly in the maintenance of gas storage and delivery systems.
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives, ensuring smooth traffic movement and strengthening cooperation with emergency response agencies across Lagos State.
NAN
