Lagos – Seventeen people, including the driver, were rescued after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus exploded and burst into flames on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. One passenger sustained severe burn injuries.
The incident occurred at Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos-bound section of the expressway. The fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, was conveying 18 occupants from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it reportedly suffered a gas explosion and caught fire.
The sudden blaze triggered panic among passengers and other motorists on the busy route. Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) quickly mobilised to the scene and successfully evacuated 17 occupants, including the driver, without further injuries.
One male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle sustained severe burns during the fire. LASTMA personnel immediately evacuated him and took him to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at Toll Gate for urgent medical attention.
Officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service responded promptly, deploying equipment to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading. Personnel of the Ojodu Police Division provided security support, maintaining order and securing the scene throughout the rescue and firefighting operations.
In a statement, LASTMA Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the details of the incident and the coordinated emergency response.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the personnel involved for their courage, professionalism and swift intervention, which helped save 17 lives. He stressed the importance of rapid emergency response and inter-agency collaboration in handling road incidents.
Bakare-Oki urged commercial transport operators, especially those running CNG-powered vehicles, to prioritise regular professional inspections, proper maintenance and strict compliance with safety standards, particularly regarding gas storage and delivery systems.
The cause of the gas explosion is still under investigation. Traffic was temporarily disrupted in the area but was later restored after the scene was cleared.
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