17 passengers escape death as CNG bus explodes in Lagos

Seventeen passengers escaped death on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus exploded and caught fire at Berger Bus Stop along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Lagos State.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident via a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.

Taofiq said the Toyota Hiace bus was carrying 18 occupants from the Mowe-Ibafo axis to Lagos when it was engulfed in flames following a gas explosion.

Taofiq disclosed that the incident triggered panic among passengers and other motorists plying the busy expressway, adding that LASTMA officials launched a swift rescue operation and safely evacuated 17 occupants, including the driver.

He revealed that one male passenger, however, suffered severe burns after being trapped at the rear of the vehicle during the fire.

The LASTMA spokesperson said the passenger was rescued and rushed to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for treatment.

Taofiq said firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service quickly extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby vehicles, while officers of the Ojodu Police Division secured the area and maintained order throughout the emergency operation.

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Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended the agency’s personnel for their prompt response, describing their intervention as instrumental in preventing what could have been a major tragedy.

Bakare-Oki also urged operators of CNG-powered vehicles to subject their vehicles to regular safety inspections, comply with approved safety standards and ensure proper maintenance of their gas systems.

He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to protecting lives, maintaining traffic flow, and strengthening collaboration with other emergency response agencies across the state.