Two killed, eight rescued as commercial bus goes up in flames in Okota
Two Dead, Eight Injured in Lagos Minibus Accident
Two people have been confirmed dead, and eight others injured following a road traffic accident involving a commercial minibus in the Okota area of Lagos State.
The incident took place on the Ballet inward corridor to Mile 2 in Okota, Isolo and involved a yellow commercial bus, commonly referred to as “Faka,” with registration number SMK 823 YK, according to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Preliminary investigations by LASTMA indicate that the accident was triggered when an unidentified private vehicle unexpectedly reversed onto the main roadway. This maneuver forced the minibus, which was reportedly traveling at high speed, to brake suddenly, resulting in the vehicle losing control, overturning multiple times, and subsequently catching fire.
Reports indicate that the minibus was carrying nine occupants, including the driver, at the time of the crash. During further investigations, it was revealed that the driver had a five-liter container of petrol inside the vehicle. The flammable liquid ignited immediately after the accident, leading to a severe fire outbreak.
The inferno ultimately claimed the lives of the driver and a female passenger seated in the front of the minibus, both of whom were burned beyond recognition.
Officials from LASTMA, who were conducting routine traffic surveillance in the area, responded promptly to the emergency and managed to rescue eight passengers from the wreckage before the fire spread further. The injured individuals were then transported to a nearby medical facility with assistance from a bystander.
The scene of the accident was secured with the help of the Divisional Traffic Officer from the Ilasa Police Division, who was present to manage security and traffic flow in the vicinity.
Emergency response operations were bolstered by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which worked alongside the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) to extinguish the flames and assist in rescue efforts.
In response to the tragedy, Hon. Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, lamenting the loss of life in this devastating incident.
