Lagos Bus Inferno Claims Two Lives, Leaves Eight Injured on Okota-Mile 2 Road
A devastating fire outbreak on the Okota–Mile 2 road in Lagos State has resulted in the tragic deaths of a commercial bus driver and a female passenger, with eight other individuals sustaining various injuries. The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 10, when a yellow minibus carrying nine occupants, including the driver, was involved in a catastrophic accident that led to the vehicle bursting into flames.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Fatal Crash
According to official statements from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the tragedy unfolded when an unidentified private vehicle unexpectedly reversed on the main carriageway. This sudden manoeuvre forced the commercial minibus, which was travelling at considerable speed, to apply an abrupt emergency brake.
The spokesperson for LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, explained that this dangerous convergence caused the minibus to lose control completely. "The vehicle overturned multiple times before eventually catching fire in a violent eruption of flames," Taofiq stated during his confirmation of the incident to journalists.
Presence of Petrol Container Intensified the Blaze
Further investigations revealed a critical factor that exacerbated the tragedy: the driver had been transporting a five-litre container of petrol inside the passenger compartment of the bus. This highly flammable substance ignited immediately upon impact, creating an intense fire outbreak that consumed the vehicle within moments.
"The petrol container's presence transformed what might have been a serious accident into a deadly inferno," the agency's statement emphasized. The rapid combustion proved particularly devastating for the driver and the female passenger seated in the front section, both of whom were burnt beyond recognition in the fierce blaze.
LASTMA's Swift Response and Rescue Operation
Despite the horrific circumstances, LASTMA operatives who were conducting routine traffic surveillance in the area responded with remarkable promptness. Their immediate intervention proved crucial in preventing further loss of life.
"Through decisive action, our personnel managed to rescue eight passengers from the wreckage before the fire intensified to uncontrollable levels," Taofiq reported. The rescued individuals received urgent medical attention and were transported to a nearby healthcare facility for treatment of their injuries.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, with particular focus on road safety protocols and the dangerous practice of transporting flammable materials in passenger vehicles.
