CNG Bus Explodes On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Passenger Burnt

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), on Wednesday, rescued 17 passengers, including a driver, after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus burst into flames following a gas explosion along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

One male passenger sustained severe burn injuries in the incident, which occurred at Berger Bus Stop along the Lagos-bound section of the expressway.

The 18 occupants were travelling from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, reportedly caught fire, triggering panic among passengers and other motorists.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, personnel mobilised to the scene and rescued 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.

However, the male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle sustained severe burns during the inferno. He was immediately evacuated by LASTMA officials and taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical attention.

“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) today successfully rescued 17 passengers, including a driver, following a frightening fire outbreak involving a fully loaded Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial Hiace bus (EKY 798 YK), which suddenly erupted into flames following a gas explosion at Berger Bus Stop long the Lagos-bound section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

“The unfortunate incident involved 18 occupants travelling from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the fully loaded vehicle reportedly caught fire, triggering panic among passengers and other motorists plying the busy expressway,” the statement said.

Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service deployed firefighting equipment to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the agency’s personnel for their courage, professionalism and swift intervention, which facilitated the rescue of 17 occupants.

Bakare-Oki said the incident underscored the importance of rapid emergency response, 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, proper maintenance and strict compliance with prescribed safety standards.

He also emphasised the need for proper maintenance of vehicles’ gas storage and delivery systems to prevent similar incidents.

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

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