The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued 17 passengers, including a driver, after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus exploded along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The incident occurred at Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when the Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, reportedly caught fire while conveying 18 passengers from the Mowe-Ibafo axis to Lagos.

In a statement on Tuesday by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, the agency said one male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle sustained severe burn injuries in the incident.

It said, “Regrettably, one male passenger, who was seated at the rear section of the vehicle, sustained severe burn injuries during the inferno. He was immediately evacuated by LASTMA personnel and conveyed to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical intervention.”

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire, while officers of the Ojodu Police Division secured the scene.

It stated, “Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service demonstrated commendable professionalism by swiftly deploying their firefighting equipment to extinguish the raging inferno and prevent its further escalation. Equally noteworthy was the invaluable security support provided by personnel of the Ojodu Police Division, who maintained law and order and secured the accident scene throughout the duration of the rescue and firefighting operations.” 

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the agency’s officers for their swift response and collaboration with other emergency responders, which led to the rescue of 17 passengers without injuries.

“The incident once again underscores the indispensable importance of rapid emergency response, effective interagency synergy and the deployment of adequately trained personnel in mitigating the potentially devastating consequences of road-related incidents.” Mr Bakare-Oki said.

He urged commercial transport operators to conduct regular professional inspections on their CNG-powered vehicles and ensure proper maintenance of their vehicle’s gas storage and delivery systems to prevent similar incidents.