A passenger sustained severe burn injuries on Wednesday, after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus exploded and burst into flames along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, leaving 17 other occupants rescued by emergency responders.
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Key Highlights
- A CNG-powered Toyota Hiace bus exploded and caught fire at Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday.
- The bus was carrying 18 people, including the driver, from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos.
- LASTMA rescued 17 occupants without injuries.
- A male passenger seated at the rear suffered severe burns and was taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre.
- LASTMA urged operators of CNG vehicles to prioritise inspection and maintenance of gas systems.
The incident occurred at Berger Bus Stop, along the Lagos-bound section of the expressway when the fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, reportedly caught fire while conveying 18 passengers, including the driver, from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos.
The explosion triggered panic among passengers and motorists on the busy highway.
17 Occupants Rescued
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, a male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle suffered severe burns during the inferno.
He was evacuated by LASTMA officials and taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for urgent medical attention.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident, describing the vehicle as a fully loaded CNG-powered commercial bus that suddenly erupted into flames following a gas explosion.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also deployed firefighting equipment to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to other vehicles and surrounding areas.
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LASTMA Urges CNG Safety Checks
General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the agency’s personnel for their swift intervention, courage and professionalism in rescuing the passengers.
He said the incident highlighted the importance of rapid emergency response, effective collaboration among emergency agencies and the deployment of adequately trained personnel to manage road emergencies.
Bakare-Oki urged commercial transport operators, particularly those using CNG-powered vehicles, to prioritise regular professional inspections, proper maintenance and strict compliance with prescribed safety standards.
He specifically stressed the need for proper maintenance of vehicles’ gas storage and delivery systems to prevent similar incidents.
The LASTMA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and strengthening collaboration with emergency response agencies across Lagos State.
He also commended the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force for their support during the rescue operation.
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