The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued 17 occupants of a commercial bus after it caught fire following a reported gas explosion at Berger Bus Stop along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
One passenger, however, suffered severe burns in the incident, which happened on the Lagos-bound carriageway.
LASTMA announced the development in a statement released on Wednesday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.
The agency said the CNG-powered bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, was carrying 18 people, including the driver, from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the vehicle reportedly burst into flames.
The statement read, “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.”
The authority disclosed that the injured passenger was rescued from the rear section of the bus and transported to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for immediate medical treatment.
Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also arrived at the scene and brought the blaze under control, preventing it from spreading to other areas.
Meanwhile, officers from the Ojodu Police Division secured the area and maintained order throughout the rescue and firefighting operations.
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Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the agency’s personnel for their bravery, professionalism and quick response.
He noted that the incident highlighted the need for prompt emergency intervention, cooperation among relevant agencies and the availability of properly trained personnel to reduce the impact of road emergencies.
Bakare-Oki also called on commercial vehicle operators, especially those using compressed natural gas-powered buses, to ensure their vehicles undergo regular professional inspections.
He further urged operators to observe approved safety regulations and properly maintain their gas storage and delivery systems to prevent avoidable incidents.
The general manager reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to safeguarding lives, maintaining free traffic movement and improving cooperation with emergency response agencies across Lagos State.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force during the operation.