17 Escape Unhurt as CNG-Powered Bus Explodes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Seventeen passengers have escaped without injuries after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus caught fire following an explosion along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, while another passenger sustained severe burns.

The incident occurred at Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos-bound section of the expressway when a fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, reportedly burst into flames following a gas explosion.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed the incident in a statement, noting that the bus had 18 occupants, including the driver, travelling from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the explosion occurred.

According to the agency, its officers arrived promptly and rescued 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.

However, one male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle suffered severe burns during the incident. LASTMA officials evacuated him and rushed him to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for urgent medical treatment.

Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded to the emergency, deploying firefighting equipment to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading.

Meanwhile, personnel of the Ojodu Police Division provided security support, maintained order and secured the area throughout the rescue and firefighting operations.

Commending the emergency response, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the agency’s officers for their courage, professionalism and swift intervention, which helped save 17 lives.

He also acknowledged the cooperation among the emergency response agencies, describing effective collaboration as essential in managing road emergencies.

Bakare-Oki said the incident highlighted the importance of rapid emergency response, trained personnel and cooperation among relevant agencies in preventing road-related disasters.

The LASTMA boss further urged commercial transport operators, particularly those using CNG-powered vehicles, to carry out regular professional inspections and ensure proper vehicle maintenance.

He stressed that operators must comply with established safety standards, paying particular attention to the maintenance of gas storage and delivery systems to reduce the risk of similar incidents.