17 Passengers Escape Unhurt as CNG Bus Explodes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, One Injured

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

The incident occurred at Berger Bus Stop along the Lagos-bound section of the expressway, involving a fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus with registration number EKY 798 YK.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed the incident in a statement, explaining that the bus was carrying 18 occupants, including the driver, from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the fire broke out.

According to the agency, the sudden outbreak of fire triggered panic among passengers and other motorists. However, LASTMA officers arrived promptly and rescued 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.

One male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle suffered severe burns during the incident. LASTMA personnel evacuated him and transported him to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for urgent medical attention.

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.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the agency’s officers for their courage, swift intervention and professionalism, which he said helped save 17 lives.

He also praised the cooperation among the emergency response agencies involved in the operation.

Bakare-Oki described the incident as a reminder of the importance of rapid emergency response, effective collaboration among agencies and properly trained personnel in managing road emergencies.

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

He emphasised the need to comply with established safety standards, particularly in maintaining gas storage and delivery systems, to reduce the risk of similar incidents.