THE LAGOS State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued 17 passengers, including a driver, following a fire outbreak involving a fully loaded Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial Hiace bus.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, adding that the bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, suddenly erupted into flames following a gas explosion at Berger Bus Stop along the Lagos-bound section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
”The unfortunate incident occurred when the fully loaded vehicle travelling from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos reportedly caught fire, triggering panic among passengers and other motorists plying the busy expressway.
”In a swift and professionally coordinated emergency response, LASTMA personnel promptly mobilised to the scene, successfully evacuated and rescued 17 out of the 18 occupants, including the driver, without any injuries,” he said.
He added that regrettably, one male passenger who was seated at the rear section of the vehicle, sustained severe burn injuries during the inferno.
He said the passenger was immediately evacuated by LASTMA personnel and conveyed to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical intervention.
He disclosed that officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service swiftly deployed their firefighting equipment to extinguish the raging inferno and prevent its further escalation.
”Equally noteworthy is the invaluable security support provided by personnel of the Ojodu Police Division, who maintained law and order and secured the accident scene throughout the duration of the rescue and firefighting operations,” he said.
The LASTMA boss urged commercial transport operators, particularly those utilising CNG-powered vehicles, to prioritise regular professional inspections, strict adherence to prescribed safety standards and comprehensive maintenance of their vehicles’ gas storage and delivery systems.
He reiterated LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding human lives, sustaining seamless traffic movement and strengthening strategic collaboration with relevant emergency response agencies across Lagos state. (NAN)
