The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that a fire incident involving a mini yellow commercial bus claimed the lives of two occupants.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
Giwa said the incident which occurred along Ballet inward corridor to Mile 2, Okota, Isolo, left several others injured.
“Preliminary security findings revealed that the unfortunate incident was precipitated by an unknown private vehicle reversing on the main carriageway, an action that compelled the commercial minibus speeding to apply an abrupt brake.
“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 severe fire outbreak,” he said.
He said the driver and a female passenger seated at the front were burnt beyond recognition in the ensuing inferno.
Giwa said LASTMA operatives, who were on routine traffic surveillance within the axis intervened and successfully rescued eight passengers from the wreckage before the fire intensified.
He added that they were immediately evacuated 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 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 expeditiously to extinguish the fire and manage emergency rescue operations,” he said.
The special adviser warned both private and commercial motorists to exercise maximum concentration while driving and to desist from reversing on highways.
He noted that such dangerous practices pose grave risks and capable of triggering avoidable calamities.