A tragic road accident along the Okota–Mile 2 corridor in Lagos State has claimed the lives of a commercial bus driver and one passenger, while eight others suffered varying degrees of injuries after a minibus went up in flames.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed the incident on Tuesday through its spokesperson, Mr Adebayo Taofiq, who described the development as a “devastating road traffic occurrence.”
Taofiq explained that the accident involved a yellow commercial minibus carrying nine occupants, including the driver. He said the crash occurred after an unidentified private vehicle allegedly reversed onto the main carriageway.
The sudden action forced the commercial bus, which was moving at high speed, to brake sharply. The vehicle then lost stability, somersaulted repeatedly and eventually caught fire.
“Preliminary findings revealed that an unknown private vehicle reversed on the main carriageway, compelling the commercial minibus to apply an abrupt brake. In the course of this perilous convergence, the vehicle lost control, overturned repeatedly and ultimately went up in flames,” the statement read.
Further details from the traffic agency indicated that the driver had stored a five-litre keg of petrol inside the vehicle. The fuel ignited immediately after the crash.
“The highly inflammable substance ignited instantly following the impact, resulting in a severe fire outbreak. Tragically, the driver and a female passenger seated in front were burnt beyond recognition,” the agency added.
LASTMA officials who were on routine patrol at the time responded quickly to the emergency. They pulled out eight passengers from the wreckage before the fire spread further.
“Through swift and decisive intervention, our operatives successfully rescued eight passengers from the wreckage and facilitated their immediate evacuation to a nearby medical facility,” Taofiq said.
Authorities secured the accident scene in conjunction with the Divisional Traffic Officer of the Ilasa Police Division. The move helped to prevent secondary crashes and restore normal traffic movement in the area.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Ambulance Service also arrived at the scene. They worked to extinguish the blaze and support rescue efforts.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims quick recovery.
“On behalf of the Lagos State Government, I express deep sorrow over this needless loss of life and extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We pray for the speedy and complete recovery of the eight rescued passengers,” Giwa said.
He cautioned drivers against unsafe road habits, especially reversing on highways.
“Motorists, both private and commercial, must exercise maximum concentration while driving and desist from reversing on highways, as such reckless practices pose grave risks and can trigger avoidable calamities,” he added.
The traffic management agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring road safety. It urged motorists to obey traffic regulations at all times to prevent needless tragedies.
