… One male passenger suffers severe burns, rushed to Lagos State Trauma Centre
By Rashidat O. Okunlade | Lagos
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has successfully rescued 17 passengers, including a driver, following a frightening fire outbreak involving a fully loaded Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial Hiace bus.
The bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, suddenly erupted into flames following a gas explosion at Berger Bus Stop along the Lagos-bound section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
A Swift Rescue Operation
The unfortunate incident involved 18 occupants travelling from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the fully loaded vehicle caught fire, triggering panic among passengers and other motorists plying the busy expressway.
In a swift and professionally coordinated emergency response, LASTMA personnel promptly mobilised to the scene, successfully evacuating and rescuing 17 occupants, including the driver, without any injuries.
Regrettably, one male passenger, who was seated at the rear section of the vehicle, sustained severe burn injuries during the inferno. He was immediately evacuated by LASTMA personnel and conveyed to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical intervention.
Inter-Agency Collaboration
Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service demonstrated commendable professionalism by swiftly deploying their firefighting equipment to extinguish the raging inferno and prevent its further escalation.
Equally noteworthy was the invaluable security support provided by personnel of the Ojodu Police Division, who maintained law and order and secured the accident scene throughout the duration of the rescue and firefighting operations.
‘A Testament to Rapid Emergency Response’
Commending the exceptional responsiveness and inter-agency collaboration demonstrated during the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, particularly applauded the Authority’s personnel for their courage, operational dexterity, and prompt intervention, which culminated in the successful rescue of 17 passengers without injuries.
Bakare-Oki emphasised that the incident once again underscores the indispensable importance of rapid emergency response, effective inter-agency synergy, and the deployment of adequately trained personnel in mitigating the potentially devastating consequences of road-related incidents.
He further urged commercial transport operators, particularly those utilising CNG-powered vehicles, to prioritise regular professional inspections, strict adherence to prescribed safety standards, and comprehensive maintenance of their vehicles’ gas storage and delivery systems.
The General Manager reiterated LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding human lives, sustaining seamless traffic movement, and strengthening strategic collaboration with relevant emergency response agencies across Lagos State.
He also expressed profound appreciation to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force for their indispensable support and collaborative intervention during the rescue operation.
Why It Matters
The explosion of a CNG-powered commercial bus on one of Lagos’s busiest highways is a stark wake-up call regarding the safety of Nigeria’s ongoing transition to alternative fuels.
As the Federal Government aggressively promotes Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol following the removal of fuel subsidies, thousands of commercial vehicles are being converted or imported with CNG systems. However, this rapid transition carries inherent risks if not properly regulated. High-pressure gas cylinders require rigorous maintenance, specialized handling, and strict adherence to safety protocols. A leak in a confined space like a commercial bus can lead to catastrophic explosions.
LASTMA’s swift response, alongside the Fire Service and the Police, averted what could have been a mass-casualty tragedy. Rescuing 17 out of 18 passengers is a testament to the bravery and efficiency of the emergency responders.
However, the severe burns sustained by one passenger highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety standards in the transport sector. The government must ensure that CNG conversion kits are certified, that cylinders are regularly inspected for wear and tear, and that drivers and conductors are trained in emergency evacuation procedures. The push for cheaper energy must not come at the expense of human lives.
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