There was pandemonium around Berger-Ojodu, Lagos on Wednesday as a commercial bus powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) burst into flames after the gas cylinder exploded.
One passenger sustained severe burn injuries, while the other 17 occupants, including the driver, were rescued unharmed.
The vehicle, a fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus with registration number EKY 798 YK, was reportedly carrying 18 people from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the explosion occurred.
Eyewitnesses said the bus suddenly erupted into flames, triggering panic among passengers and other motorists travelling along the busy expressway.
One male passenger, who was seated at the rear of the vehicle, sustained severe burns during the incident. He was immediately evacuated to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for urgent medical treatment.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said its personnel quickly mobilised to the scene after receiving information about the incident.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the agency’s General Manager, who spoke through its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA officials assisted in evacuating the occupants and managing traffic around the affected area.
Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also arrived at the scene and worked to extinguish the flames, preventing the fire from spreading further.
Personnel from the Ojodu Police Division provided security and helped maintain order while rescue and firefighting operations were underway.
The coordinated response ensured that the remaining occupants were evacuated and the fire brought under control.
Commending the response, Bakare-Oki praised LASTMA personnel for their swift intervention and acknowledged the support provided by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force.
The LASTMA boss also urged commercial transport operators, particularly those using CNG-powered vehicles, to take vehicle safety and maintenance seriously.