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Seventeen occupants, including the driver, escape unhurt after a CNG-powered commercial bus explodes and bursts into flames at Berger Bus Stop.
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One male passenger sustains severe burn injuries and is rushed to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate.
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LASTMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and police collaborate to rescue passengers and extinguish the fire.
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LASTMA warns commercial transport operators to prioritise regular vehicle inspections and proper maintenance of CNG gas storage and delivery systems.
November 11, (THEWILL) – A Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus has exploded and burst into flames along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, leaving one passenger with severe burn injuries while 17 other occupants escaped unhurt.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at Berger Bus Stop, along the Lagos-bound section of the expressway, triggering panic among passengers and motorists on the busy highway.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), which confirmed the incident, said the vehicle was conveying 18 occupants, including the driver, from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it reportedly caught fire following a gas explosion.
The fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, was engulfed by flames, forcing passengers and other road users to scramble for safety.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA said its personnel swiftly mobilised to the scene and rescued 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.
“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,” LASTMA said.
It added that one male passenger, who was seated at the rear section of the vehicle, sustained severe burn injuries during the fire.
“Regrettably, one male passenger, who was seated at the rear section of the vehicle, sustained severe burn injuries during the inferno,” the statement said.
The injured passenger was evacuated and taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for urgent medical attention.
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Fire Service, Police Join Rescue Operation
Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were deployed to the scene and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to other vehicles or causing further damage.
Personnel of the Ojodu Police Division also provided security and maintained order throughout the rescue and firefighting operations.
Commending the response, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the agency’s personnel for their courage, professionalism and prompt intervention in rescuing the occupants.
Bakare-Oki also acknowledged the contributions of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force, noting the importance of cooperation among emergency response agencies in managing road disasters.
He said the incident underscored the importance of rapid emergency response, inter-agency collaboration and the deployment of adequately trained personnel in mitigating the consequences of road emergencies.
LASTMA Warns CNG Vehicle Operators
Following the incident, Bakare-Oki urged commercial transport operators, particularly those using CNG-powered vehicles, to prioritise regular professional inspections and ensure strict compliance with prescribed safety standards.
He specifically called for proper maintenance of gas storage and delivery systems to minimise the risk of similar incidents.
The LASTMA general manager reiterated the authority’s commitment to protecting lives, ensuring smooth traffic movement and strengthening collaboration with emergency response agencies across Lagos State.
The incident occurred amid the Federal Government’s drive to promote the adoption of CNG-powered vehicles as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs and provide alternatives to petrol-powered vehicles following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative was introduced to accelerate the conversion and deployment of gas-powered vehicles across the country.
CNG vehicles rely on high-pressure gas storage cylinders and specialised delivery systems, making proper installation, routine inspection and maintenance important safety requirements.
LASTMA did not disclose the immediate cause of Wednesday’s explosion or whether a formal investigation had commenced into the incident.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
