17 rescued as CNG-powered bus catches fire after gas explosion in Lagos

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At least 17 people were rescued on Wednesday after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus caught fire following a reported gas ...

At least 17 people were rescued on Wednesday after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus caught fire following a reported gas explosion at Berger Bus Stop along the Lagos-bound section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

A passenger trapped in the bus reportedly sustained severe burns; the bus was conveying 18 occupants, including the driver, from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the incident occurred. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of public affairs and enlightenment department.

According to LASTMA, its personnel promptly mobilised to the scene and rescued the occupants, while officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading further.

Personnel of the Ojodu Police Division also provided security and maintained order during the rescue and firefighting operations.

An eyewitness said the incident triggered panic among passengers and motorists, adding that all the occupants attempted to escape as the vehicle went up in flames, although one passenger was trapped.

The eyewitness said the situation was frightening and that he had to move away from the scene while contacting the Lagos emergency response service for assistance.

“I was so scared, I had to run away, calling the Lagos emergency number because I couldn’t help the man. I called for help, and the Lagos emergency service said they had been informed and were on their way,” the eyewitness said.

Commending the emergency response, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, LASTMA General Manager, praised the agency’s personnel for their courage, operational dexterity and prompt intervention.

He also acknowledged the collaboration of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force, noting that the incident highlighted the importance of rapid emergency response and inter-agency coordination in mitigating the consequences of road accidents.

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