The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued 17 people after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus caught fire following a reported gas explosion along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
One other passenger sustained severe burn injuries in the incident, which occurred at Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos-bound section of the expressway.
LASTMA disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.
According to the authority, the bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, was conveying 18 occupants, including the driver, from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it suddenly caught fire.
The statement said the incident triggered panic among passengers and motorists, prompting LASTMA personnel to swiftly mobilise to the scene and evacuate 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.
However, a male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle sustained severe burn injuries during the fire outbreak. He was subsequently evacuated to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical attention.
Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded to the incident and successfully extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading, while personnel of the Ojodu Police Division provided security and maintained order at the scene.
Commending the emergency response, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the authority’s personnel for their courage, professionalism and prompt intervention.
Bakare-Oki said the incident highlighted the importance of rapid emergency response, effective inter-agency collaboration and the deployment of adequately trained personnel in managing road emergencies.
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He urged commercial transport operators, particularly those operating CNG-powered vehicles, to ensure regular professional inspections, adhere strictly to prescribed safety standards and maintain their gas storage and delivery systems to prevent avoidable incidents.
The LASTMA general manager reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to protecting lives, ensuring efficient traffic management and strengthening collaboration with emergency response agencies across Lagos State.
