A passenger sustained severe burn injuries on Wednesday after a compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus caught fire on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
The incident occurred at Berger Bus Stop along the
Lagos-bound section of the expressway.
In a statement issued after the incident, the Lagos State
Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said its operatives rescued 17 other
occupants, including the driver, from the vehicle.
Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA’s director of public affairs and
enlightenment, said the bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, was conveying
18 occupants from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it reportedly caught
fire.
“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 reads.
“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.”
Taofiq added that the injured passenger was taken to the
Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for urgent medical
attention.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also deployed
personnel to the scene to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading,
while officers of the Ojodu police division provided security and maintained
order during the rescue operation.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, LASTMA general manager, commended the
agency’s personnel for their prompt response and collaboration with other
emergency services.
He said the incident highlighted the importance of rapid
emergency response and adequately trained personnel in managing road
emergencies.
Bakare-Oki urged commercial transport operators,
particularly those using CNG-powered vehicles, to conduct regular professional
inspections, comply with safety standards and maintain their vehicles’ gas
storage and delivery systems.
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