LASTMA Rescues 17 as CNG-Powered Bus Explodes, Passenger Suffers Severe Burns in Lagos

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued 17 occupants of a commercial bus after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicle exploded and burst into flames at Berger Bus Stop along the Lagos-bound section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, involved a fully loaded Toyota Hiace commercial bus with registration number EKY 798 YK. The vehicle was reportedly conveying 18 occupants, including the driver, from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it suddenly caught fire following a reported gas explosion.

The sudden outbreak triggered panic among passengers and other motorists plying the busy expressway, as flames engulfed the vehicle. LASTMA officials reportedly responded promptly, mobilising to the scene and successfully evacuating 17 of the 18 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.

However, one male passenger seated at the rear section of the vehicle sustained severe burn injuries during the inferno. He was immediately evacuated by LASTMA personnel and transported to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical attention.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also deployed its personnel and firefighting equipment to the scene, successfully extinguishing the raging flames and preventing the fire from spreading further, while efforts were made to secure the surrounding area.

Personnel of the Ojodu Police Division equally provided security support during the emergency operation, maintaining law and order and securing the accident scene throughout the rescue and firefighting activities.

Confirming the incident, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, said the successful evacuation of the passengers demonstrated the importance of prompt emergency response and effective collaboration among relevant agencies in managing road emergencies.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the agency’s personnel for their courage, professionalism and swift intervention, which facilitated the rescue of the 17 occupants. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force to the successful emergency operation.

Bakare-Oki stressed the importance of rapid emergency response, effective inter-agency cooperation and the deployment of adequately trained personnel in preventing road emergencies from escalating into more devastating incidents.

He consequently urged commercial transport operators, particularly those operating CNG-powered vehicles, to prioritise regular professional inspections, comply strictly with prescribed safety standards and ensure comprehensive maintenance of their vehicles’ gas storage and delivery systems. The incident has renewed attention on the importance of stringent safety checks as the adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles continues to expand in Nigeria’s commercial transportation sector.