Two Killed, Eight Injured as Minibus Bursts Into Flames in Okota

Tragedy struck on Tuesday along the Okota–Isolo axis of Lagos when a commercial minibus caught fire, leaving two persons dead and eight others injured.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq. According to the statement, the accident involved a yellow commercial minibus, popularly known as Faka, with registration number SMK 823 YK, along the Ballet inward corridor to Mile 2, Okota.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the crash was triggered by an unidentified private vehicle that allegedly reversed on the main carriageway. The sudden manoeuvre forced the speeding minibus to brake abruptly, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle reportedly overturned several times before bursting into flames while conveying nine occupants, including the driver.

Further findings indicated that the driver was allegedly transporting a five-litre container of petrol inside the bus. The highly inflammable substance ignited on impact, resulting in a severe fire outbreak. The driver and a female passenger seated at the front were burnt beyond recognition.

LASTMA officials on routine patrol were said to have responded promptly, rescuing eight passengers from the wreckage before the fire escalated. The injured victims were immediately taken to a nearby hospital with the assistance of a good-spirited motorist.

Security and traffic control at the scene were coordinated by the Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) of Ilasa Police Division, while officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) worked to extinguish the fire and support rescue operations.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, expressed deep sympathy to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He warned motorists, both private and commercial, against dangerous driving practices such as reversing on highways, describing them as life-threatening and avoidable.