Minibus fire kills two, injures eight passengers in Lagos

An auto accident involving a mini yellow commercial bus, popularly known as Faka, has claimed the lives of two persons and left others injured along Ballet inward corridor to Mile 2 in Okota, Isolo.

Adebayo Taofiq, the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, said preliminary findings revealed that the incident was caused by a private vehicle reversing on the main carriageway.

Adebayo explained that the action of the private vehicle, compelled the commercial minibus marked SMK 823 YK, travelling at considerable speed to apply brake abruptly,

“This sudden manoeuvre caused the vehicle to lose stability, overturn repeatedly and ultimately burst into flames while conveying nine passengers, including the driver.

“Further investigations revealed that the commercial bus driver was reportedly conveying a five-litre container of petrol within the vehicle. The highly inflammable substance ignited immediately following the crash resulting in a fire outbreak.

“Tragically, the driver and a female passenger seated at the front burnt beyond recognition in the ensuing inferno.

“LASTMA operatives, who were on routine traffic surveillance, responded with promptness and professionalism. Through swift intervention, they successfully rescued eight passengers from the wreckage before the fire intensified and immediately facilitated their evacuation to a nearby medical facility with the assistance of a public-spirited motorist.

“The accident scene was promptly secured with the support of the Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) of Ilasa Police Division who was personally on ground to ensure adequate security and traffic control.

“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with LASAMBUS also responded to extinguish the fire and manage emergency rescue operations.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

He further issued a stern warning to both private and commercial motorists urging them to exercise maximum concentration while driving and to desist from reversing on highways, noting that such dangerous practices pose grave risks and are capable of triggering avoidable calamities.