Two people lost their lives, and eight others sustained injuries after a passenger bus carrying fuel went up in flames along the Okota–Mile 2 axis of Lagos on Tuesday.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, describing it as a tragic road crash that escalated into a fire outbreak.
According to LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, the yellow commercial bus was conveying nine occupants, including the driver, when the crash occurred.
Preliminary reports indicate that an unidentified private vehicle allegedly reversed on the highway, forcing the approaching minibus to brake suddenly.
The abrupt stop reportedly caused the driver to lose control. The vehicle overturned multiple times before catching fire.
Authorities further disclosed that a five-litre container filled with petrol was found inside the bus. The fuel is believed to have ignited on impact, worsening the blaze.
The driver and a female passenger seated in the front died in the inferno. Eight other passengers were rescued with varying degrees of injuries.
LASTMA officials on routine patrol were said to have arrived quickly at the scene and evacuated survivors before the fire intensified. The injured victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, alongside the Lagos State Ambulance Service, responded to extinguish the flames and assist with emergency care. Traffic officers also worked with personnel from the Ilasa Police Division to secure the area and prevent further accidents.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He cautioned motorists against reversing on major highways, describing the practice as hazardous.
LASTMA reiterated its call for strict adherence to traffic regulations to reduce preventable road tragedies.
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