LASTMA Rescues 17 as CNG-Powered Bus Catches Fire on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued 17 occupants of a commercial bus after it reportedly caught fire following a gas explosion at Berger Bus Stop along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

One other passenger sustained severe burn injuries during the incident, which occurred on the Lagos-bound section of the expressway.

According to LASTMA, the vehicle, with registration number EKY 798 YK, was conveying 18 people, including the driver, from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it suddenly caught fire, causing panic among passengers and other road users.

The authority’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that its operatives swiftly responded to the emergency and rescued 17 occupants without injuries.

However, a male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle suffered severe burns.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service subsequently arrived at the scene and successfully extinguished the fire, while personnel of the Ojodu Police Division provided security and maintained order throughout the operation.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the agency’s personnel for their prompt response and collaboration with other emergency services.

He stressed the importance of effective emergency response and inter-agency cooperation in reducing the impact of road emergencies.

Bakare-Oki also urged commercial transport operators, particularly those using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles, to conduct regular professional inspections, adhere to safety regulations and ensure their gas storage and delivery systems are properly maintained.

He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to protecting lives and improving road safety across Lagos State.