Seventeen passengers and the driver survived a fire that engulfed a CNG‑powered commercial Hiace bus on the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway on 11 November 2026, while one male passenger suffered serious burn injuries. The blaze broke out at the Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos‑bound lane as the vehicle, registered EKY 798 YK, was travelling from the Mowe‑Ibafo axis toward Lagos.
What caused the fire?
According to a statement from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the bus’s gas system exploded, igniting the vehicle. The incident prompted panic among the occupants and nearby motorists.
How did emergency services respond?
LASTMA officers arrived promptly, evacuating 17 occupants, including the driver, without injury. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service deployed firefighting equipment to douse the flames and prevent further spread. Meanwhile, personnel from the Ojodu Police Division secured the scene, maintaining order throughout the rescue operation.
Who was injured?
A single male passenger seated at the rear sustained severe burns. He was quickly taken by LASTMA staff to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical care.
What did officials say?
Olalekan Bakare‑Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, commended his team’s swift action, stating that their professionalism helped save 17 lives. He highlighted the importance of rapid emergency response, inter‑agency cooperation, and well‑trained personnel in averting potentially catastrophic road incidents.
What safety measures were urged?
Bakare‑Oki called on commercial transport operators, especially those using CNG‑powered vehicles, to conduct regular professional inspections and maintain their gas storage and delivery systems in line with safety standards. He stressed that adherence to prescribed regulations is essential to prevent similar occurrences.
The incident underscores the risks associated with poorly maintained CNG systems in public transport and the critical role of coordinated emergency services in mitigating loss of life on Nigeria’s busy highways.