CNG-Powered Bus Explodes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 17 Passengers Rescued

One Passenger Suffers Severe Burns as LASTMA, Firefighters and Police Respond to Incident at Berger

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Seventeen passengers, including the driver, have been rescued following a fire outbreak involving a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

However, one male passenger sustained severe burn injuries in the incident and was rushed to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical attention.

The incident occurred at Berger Bus Stop along the Lagos-bound section of the expressway when the fully loaded Toyota Hiace commercial bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, reportedly caught fire following a gas explosion.

The 18 occupants were travelling from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the vehicle suddenly erupted into flames, causing panic among passengers and other motorists.

According to a statement by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA officials swiftly mobilised to the scene and rescued 17 occupants, including the driver.

The authority said the injured passenger, who was seated at the rear of the vehicle, was immediately evacuated and transported to the emergency centre for treatment.

Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded promptly, deploying firefighting equipment to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading.

Personnel of the Ojodu Police Division provided security at the scene, maintained law and order and supported the emergency operation.

Commending the rescue efforts, LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the authority’s personnel for their courage, professionalism and swift response, which helped save 17 lives.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force, describing the inter-agency collaboration as critical to effective emergency management.

Bakare-Oki urged commercial transport operators, particularly those using CNG-powered vehicles, to prioritise regular professional inspections and comply strictly with prescribed safety standards.

He stressed the importance of proper maintenance of gas storage and delivery systems to prevent incidents capable of endangering passengers and other road users.

The LASTMA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives, ensuring traffic safety and strengthening collaboration with emergency response agencies across Lagos State.

The incident has again drawn attention to the importance of strict safety inspections and proper maintenance of CNG-powered commercial vehicles, particularly as their use increases in Nigeria’s public transportation system.