A commercial bus driver and a female passenger lost their lives after a minibus went up in flames along the Okota–Mile 2 axis in Lagos State, while eight others escaped with injuries.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed the incident on Tuesday through its spokesman, Mr Adebayo Taofiq, who termed it a “tragic road traffic crash.”
Taofiq explained that the accident involved a yellow commercial minibus carrying nine persons, including the driver, when an unidentified private car reportedly reversed on the highway.
He noted that the unexpected action compelled the fast-moving minibus to brake suddenly, leading to loss of control before it somersaulted multiple times and caught fire.
“Initial investigations show that an unknown private vehicle reversed on the carriageway, forcing the commercial bus to apply emergency brakes. During this dangerous encounter, the vehicle lost control, rolled over several times and subsequently erupted in flames,” the statement indicated.
Further enquiries, according to Taofiq, revealed that the driver had a five-litre jerrycan of petrol inside the bus, which ignited immediately upon impact.
“The highly flammable liquid caught fire instantly after the crash, leading to a fierce blaze. Regrettably, the driver and a female passenger in the front seat were burnt beyond recognition,” the agency stated.
Taofiq disclosed that LASTMA officials on routine patrol responded swiftly and evacuated eight passengers before the flames intensified.
“Through quick and decisive action, our personnel successfully pulled out eight passengers from the wreckage and ensured their immediate transfer to a nearby hospital,” he stated.
He added that the crash site was secured in partnership with the Divisional Traffic Officer of Ilasa Police Division to forestall secondary collisions and restore traffic movement.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service alongside the Lagos State Ambulance Service were equally mobilised to put out the fire and coordinate rescue efforts.
Responding to the tragedy, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, expressed profound grief over the fatalities and sympathised with affected families.
“On behalf of the Lagos State Government, I convey our deep regret over this avoidable loss of life and extend sincere condolences to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift and full recovery of the eight survivors,” Giwa stated.
He equally cautioned motorists against hazardous driving habits, especially reversing on expressways.
“All motorists, whether private or commercial, must maintain utmost alertness while driving and avoid reversing on highways, as such careless actions constitute serious hazards and can lead to preventable tragedies,” he warned.
LASTMA restated its dedication to road safety, urging all road users to observe traffic laws strictly to avoid needless loss of lives.