The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that 17 passengers and a driver were rescued after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus exploded and burst into flames along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
One male passenger sustained severe burn injuries in the incident, which occurred at Berger Bus Stop along the Lagos-bound section of the expressway, raising fresh concerns over the safety of commercial vehicles operating on compressed natural gas.
According to a statement issued by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, the fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, caught fire following a reported gas explosion.
Taofiq disclosed that the vehicle was conveying 18 occupants from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it suddenly erupted into flames, triggering panic among the passengers and other motorists plying the busy expressway.
He explained that LASTMA officials swiftly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.
However, one male passenger seated at the rear section of the vehicle was trapped in the inferno and sustained severe burn injuries.
The injured passenger was immediately evacuated by LASTMA personnel and rushed to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical attention.
Following the incident, officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene with firefighting equipment and successfully extinguished the flames, preventing the fire from spreading further and causing additional damage.
Personnel of the Ojodu Police Division also provided security support, maintained law and order and secured the affected area throughout the rescue and firefighting operations.
Commending the emergency responders, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the agency’s personnel for their courage, professionalism and prompt intervention, which he said helped save 17 lives during the emergency.
Bakare-Oki noted that the incident had further demonstrated the importance of rapid emergency response, effective coordination among relevant agencies and the deployment of adequately trained personnel in managing road emergencies.
He particularly urged commercial transport operators, especially those operating CNG-powered vehicles, to prioritise regular professional inspections, strictly comply with established safety standards and ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles’ gas storage and delivery systems.
The LASTMA boss stressed that proper vehicle maintenance and adherence to safety regulations were essential to preventing avoidable road emergencies and protecting the lives of passengers and other road users.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting lives, ensuring smooth traffic movement and strengthening collaboration with other emergency response agencies across Lagos State.
Bakare-Oki also commended the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force for their support and cooperation during the rescue operation.
The incident comes amid growing attention to the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas as an alternative fuel for commercial transportation in Nigeria, with the safety of gas-powered vehicles remaining an important concern for transport operators, regulators and commuters.