Two persons—a commercial bus driver and a female passenger—were burnt to death, while eight others sustained injuries after a minibus caught fire along the Okota–Mile 2 corridor in Lagos State.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed the incident on Tuesday. Spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq described it as a “devastating road traffic occurrence.”
Preliminary findings revealed that an unknown private vehicle reversed on the main carriageway, forcing the speeding minibus to brake abruptly. The bus lost control, overturned several times, and burst into flames.
Investigations showed the driver was carrying a five-litre container of petrol inside the bus, which 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,” Taofiq stated.
LASTMA operatives on routine surveillance responded promptly, rescuing eight passengers before the fire intensified. The injured were taken to a nearby medical facility.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Ambulance Service were deployed to extinguish the fire and manage rescue operations.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and commiserated with the victims’ families. He warned motorists against dangerous driving practices, particularly reversing on highways.
LASTMA reiterated its commitment to road safety and urged all road users to comply strictly with traffic regulations to prevent avoidable tragedies.
