LASTMA Rescues 17 As CNG-Powered Bus Catches Fire In Lagos
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued 17 passengers after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus caught fire following a reported gas explosion along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
One other passenger sustained severe burn injuries in the incident, which occurred at Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos-bound section of the expressway.
LASTMA disclosed that the vehicle, with registration number EKY 798 YK, was conveying 18 occupants, including the driver, from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it reportedly caught fire.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, the authority said its personnel swiftly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued 17 occupants without injuries.
However, a male passenger seated at the rear section of the bus sustained severe burns during the incident and was evacuated to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for immediate medical attention.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded to the incident and successfully extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading further, while officers of the Ojodu Police Division provided security and maintained order at the scene.
Commending the emergency response, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the agency’s personnel for their courage, professionalism and prompt intervention in rescuing the occupants.
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 operating CNG-powered vehicles, to prioritise regular professional inspections, adhere strictly to prescribed safety standards and ensure proper maintenance of their gas storage and delivery systems.
The LASTMA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives, maintaining traffic order and strengthening collaboration with emergency response agencies across Lagos State.
