17 passengers escape death as CNG bus explodes on Lagos-Ibadan expressway
Seventeen passengers escaped without injury following a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus explosion along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. However, one passenger sustained severe burns during the incident.
The explosion occurred at the Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos-bound section of the expressway. The Hiace bus, which was fully loaded and bore the registration number EKY 798 YK, caught fire after a gas explosion while transporting passengers from the Mowe-Ibafo area to Lagos.
According to a statement from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the bus had 18 occupants, including the driver. The fire quickly generated panic among passengers and other motorists.
LASTMA officials arrived promptly at the scene and successfully rescued 17 individuals, including the driver, who were unharmed. One male passenger seated at the rear of the bus, however, suffered serious burn injuries. LASTMA personnel evacuated him and transported him to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, located at Toll Gate, for urgent medical care.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded, using firefighting equipment to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading.
Security support at the scene was provided by personnel from the Ojodu Police Division, who maintained order during the emergency response and firefighting operations.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki commended his agency’s personnel for their swift and professional actions, which he credited with saving 17 lives. He acknowledged the collaboration among various emergency response agencies involved in the effort.
“This incident highlights the crucial role of rapid emergency responses, effective inter-agency cooperation, and the deployment of well-trained personnel in mitigating the serious consequences of road incidents,” Bakare-Oki said.
He urged commercial transport operators, particularly those utilizing CNG-powered vehicles, to conduct regular inspections and ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles. He emphasized the importance of adhering to safety standards, especially concerning the maintenance of gas storage and delivery systems.
