Bakare-Oki commends LASTMA officers for rescuing 17 from burning bus

Michael Olumide Alabi

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued 17 passengers, including the driver, following a fire outbreak involving a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus along the Lagos-bound section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The incident, which occurred at Berger Bus Stop, reportedly followed a gas explosion that caused the fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, to burst into flames.

According to a statement issued by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, the vehicle was conveying 18 occupants from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the explosion occurred, triggering panic among passengers and other road users.

LASTMA personnel who promptly arrived at the scene successfully evacuated 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.

However, one male passenger seated at the rear section of the vehicle sustained severe burn injuries during the incident. He was immediately evacuated by LASTMA officers and taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical attention.

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

Personnel of the Ojodu Police Division provided security support, maintained law and order and secured the scene throughout the rescue and firefighting operations.

Commending the emergency response, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the agency’s personnel for their courage, professionalism and prompt intervention, which helped save 17 lives.

Bakare-Oki said the incident highlighted the importance of rapid emergency response, effective inter-agency collaboration and the deployment of adequately trained personnel in managing road emergencies.

He urged commercial transport operators, particularly those using CNG-powered vehicles, to prioritise regular professional inspections, comply strictly with prescribed safety standards and ensure proper maintenance of their gas storage and delivery systems.

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

He also commended the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force for their support and cooperation during the rescue operation.