Two dead, eight saved in Okota minibus fire as LASTMA acts swiftly

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) mourns a tragic road traffic incident involving a yellow commercial minibus (registration Faka SMK 823 YK) along the Ballet Inward Corridor to Mile 2, Okota, Isolo.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, the accident resulted in the deaths of two passengers and left eight others injured.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the calamity was triggered when an unknown private vehicle reversed onto the main carriageway, forcing the minibus, which was travelling at considerable speed, to brake abruptly.

This sudden manoeuvre caused the vehicle to overturn multiple times and eventually catch fire. The minibus was carrying nine passengers, including the driver, at the time of the crash.

Further inquiries revealed that the driver was reportedly transporting a five-litre container of petrol inside the vehicle.

The flammable substance ignited immediately after the crash, intensifying the fire.

Tragically, the driver and a female passenger seated at the front perished in the inferno.

LASTMA operatives, who were on routine patrol in the area, responded swiftly and professionally.

They rescued eight passengers from the burning wreckage before the fire could spread further.

The injured were immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital with assistance from a public-spirited motorist.

The Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) of Ilasa Police Division was on hand to secure the scene and ensure traffic control, while the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with LASAMBUS, promptly extinguished the blaze and managed the emergency response.

Hon. Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, expressed profound sorrow over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. He also wished the eight rescued passengers a full and speedy recovery.

Hon. Giwa issued a stern warning to motorists, urging strict adherence to traffic regulations and cautioning against reversing on highways—dangerous practices that can lead to avoidable tragedies.

LASTMA reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property on Lagos roads and called on all road users to prioritize safety, comply with traffic rules, and cooperate fully with traffic management authorities to prevent needless loss of lives.