The Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that two individuals, a commercial bus driver and a female passenger, were burnt to death as eight others sustained injuries after a minibus caught fire along the Okota-Mile 2 corridor in the Isolo area of the state.
In a Tuesday statement signed by the LASTMA’s spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, a preliminary investigation revealed that the unfortunate incident was precipitated by an unknown private vehicle reversing on the main carriageway, an action, according to the agency, compelled the commercial minibus travelling at considerable speed to apply an abrupt brake.
The statement reads, “This sudden manoeuvre caused the vehicle to lose stability, overturn repeatedly and ultimately burst into flames while conveying nine passengers, including the driver.
“Further investigations revealed that the commercial bus driver was reportedly conveying a five-litre container of petrol within the vehicle. The highly inflammable substance ignited immediately following the crash, resulting in a severe fire outbreak. Tragically, the driver and a female passenger seated at the front were burnt beyond recognition in the ensuing inferno.”
The statement further revealed that the LASTMA operatives, who were on routine traffic surveillance within the axis, responded with commendable promptness and professionalism.
The statement added, “Through swift intervention, they successfully rescued eight passengers from the wreckage before the fire intensified and immediately facilitated their evacuation to a nearby medical facility with the assistance of a public-spirited motorist.
“The accident scene was promptly secured with the support of the Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) of Ilasa Police Division, who was personally on the ground to ensure adequate security and traffic control.
“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with LASAMBUS, also responded expeditiously to extinguish the fire and manage emergency rescue operations.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
Giwa wished the eight rescued passengers a speedy and complete recovery.
The Special Adviser further issued a stern warning to both private and commercial motorists, urging them to exercise maximum concentration while driving and to desist from reversing on highways, noting that such dangerous practices pose grave risks and are capable of triggering avoidable calamities.
LASTMA reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property on Lagos roads and calls on all road users to comply strictly with traffic regulations, prioritise safety at all times, and cooperate fully with traffic management authorities to prevent needless loss of lives.
