Panic gripped motorists and passengers on Wednesday after a Compressed Natural Gas powered commercial bus caught fire following a reported gas explosion along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway.

The incident occurred at Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos bound section of the expressway, one of the busiest routes in the state. The fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, was conveying 18 occupants, including the driver, from the Mowe Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it suddenly burst into flames.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq. According to LASTMA, the fire triggered panic among passengers and other motorists plying the busy expressway as smoke and flames engulfed the vehicle.

Many road users were forced to slow down, while others moved away from the scene in fear of a further explosion. The situation caused tension at Berger, a major transit point for thousands of commuters every day.

In a swift and professionally coordinated emergency response, LASTMA personnel promptly mobilised to the scene and successfully evacuated and rescued 17 occupants, including the driver, without any injuries.

The officers worked quickly to pull passengers out of the burning vehicle and to guide them to safety. Their timely intervention ensured that what could have turned into a major tragedy was brought under control within a short time. Commuters at the scene were said to have watched in relief as the passengers were brought out alive.

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 attention. Medical officials at the centre were expected to commence immediate treatment to stabilise him. The condition of the victim has continued to draw sympathy from members of the public who witnessed the incident.

Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were also deployed to the scene and extinguished the blaze to prevent it from spreading to other vehicles and nearby structures. Their firefighting equipment was used to douse the flames and to cool the wreckage of the bus. Personnel of the Ojodu Police Division were also on ground to maintain law and order and to secure the accident scene throughout the duration of the rescue and firefighting operations. The combined effort of the agencies ensured safety at the busy corridor.

Commenting on the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare Oki, commended the agency’s personnel for their courage, professionalism and swift intervention.

He said their quick response ensured that 17 of the 18 occupants were rescued without injuries. He also urged drivers and operators of CNG powered vehicles to ensure regular maintenance, proper inspection and strict adherence to safety standards to prevent a recurrence. The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and ensuring smooth traffic flow across the state.

The incident has once again raised concerns about vehicle safety and emergency preparedness, particularly involving CNG powered commercial vehicles. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

For now, residents and commuters have expressed gratitude for the rescue operation, while also calling for stronger safety checks on commercial buses operating on major highways in Lagos.