SUB-HEADLINE:LASTMA rescues 17 as gas-powered commercial bus goes up in flames at Berger Bus Stop
Panic at Berger Bus Stop on Wednesday after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus exploded and caught fire on the Lagos-bound section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The bus, a Toyota Hiace with registration number EKY 798 YK, was carrying 18 occupants including the driver from Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it reportedly suffered a gas explosion and went up in flames.The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Adebayo Taofiq.
In a swift emergency response, LASTMA personnel mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.Regrettably, one male passenger who was seated at the rear section sustained severe burn injuries during the inferno.
He was immediately evacuated to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate for urgent treatment.Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire and prevented it from spreading, while Ojodu Police Division secured the area.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended his officers and urged all CNG bus operators to conduct regular professional inspections of gas storage and delivery systems to prevent avoidable accidents.This incident raises fresh safety concerns about CNG-powered commercial buses in Nigeria amid Federal Government’s push for gas-powered transportation.
SOURCES:PUNCH NG, LASTMA Official Statement via Adebayo Taofiq, PM Parrot NG, The Mirror Newspaper, Independent NG, Okay News