Get Guardian on GoogleA Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial Hiace bus with number plate EKY 798 YK yesterday burst into flames following a gas explosion at Berger Bus Stop, along the Lagos-bound section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The incident involved 18 occupants travelling from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the fully loaded vehicle caught fire, causing panic among passengers and other motorists plying the busy expressway.
One male passenger, who was seated at the rear of the vehicle, sustained severe burns during the incident. He was immediately evacuated by personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical attention.
Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also deployed firefighting equipment to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading.
LASTMA personnel, who promptly mobilised to the scene, rescued the remaining 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.
Personnel of the Ojodu Police Division also supported the operation by securing the scene throughout the rescue and firefighting efforts.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the prompt response and inter-agency collaboration demonstrated during the incident. He particularly praised the LASTMA personnel for their courage, operational dexterity and timely intervention.
He said the incident underscored the importance of emergency response, inter-agency cooperation and the deployment of trained personnel in mitigating the consequences of road accidents.
Bakare-Oki advised commercial transport operators, particularly those using CNG-powered vehicles, to prioritise regular inspections, compliance with safety standards and proper maintenance of their vehicles’ gas storage and delivery systems.
He reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to safeguarding lives, ensuring seamless traffic movement and strengthening collaboration with relevant emergency response agencies across Lagos State.
He also appreciated the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force for their support during the rescue operation.
