A devastating crash involving a mini yellow commercial bus has claimed the lives of two persons in Lagos, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, stating that the fatal incident occurred along the Ballet inward corridor to Mile 2, Okota, Isolo.
According to Giwa, preliminary findings indicate that the accident was triggered when an unidentified private vehicle reversed on the main carriageway, forcing the commercial minibus, which was reportedly speeding, to apply a sudden brake.
The abrupt manoeuvre caused the vehicle to lose control, overturn multiple times, and eventually burst into flames while carrying nine passengers, including the driver.
Further investigations revealed that the bus driver was allegedly transporting a five-litre container of petrol inside the vehicle. The highly inflammable substance ignited immediately after the crash, resulting in a severe fire outbreak.
Giwa confirmed that the driver and a female passenger seated in the front were burnt beyond recognition in the inferno.
LASTMA operatives, who were on routine traffic surveillance in the area, intervened promptly and rescued eight passengers before the fire intensified. The injured victims were evacuated to a nearby medical facility with assistance from a public-spirited motorist.
The accident scene was secured with the support of the Divisional Traffic Officer of Ilasa Police Division, who was present to ensure security and manage traffic flow.
Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with LASAMBUS, responded swiftly to extinguish the blaze and coordinate emergency rescue operations.
Giwa cautioned motorists – both private and commercial – to exercise maximum caution while driving and to desist from reversing on highways, describing the practice as dangerous and capable of causing avoidable tragedies.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
