CNG bus explodes in Lagos, 17 rescued and one severely burned

A compressed natural gas (CNG) commercial bus exploded and caught fire at Berger Bus Stop on the Lagos-bound section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday (11 November), leaving 17 of the 18 people on board rescued unhurt and one male passenger severely burned. The Toyota Hiace, registration EKY 798 YK, was travelling from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said the vehicle reportedly caught fire following a gas explosion, but the exact cause has not been stated.

Fire service and police at the scene

LASTMA personnel moved quickly to the scene and evacuated 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries. A male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle sustained severe burns and was taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service put out the fire and prevented it from spreading, while officers of the Ojodu Police Division secured the scene and maintained order. LASTMA's Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, issued the statement on the incident.

LASTMA chief urges regular CNG vehicle inspections

LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki praised the agency's personnel for their courage and swift intervention, and urged commercial transport operators using CNG-powered vehicles to carry out regular professional inspections, keep their vehicles properly maintained and strictly observe safety standards. Lagos State has been promoting the switch of commercial vehicles to compressed natural gas; this site reported on 8 November that Lagos plans 29 CNG refuelling stations by the first quarter of 2028.

Sources: LASTMA, Punch, Daily Trust, Vanguard, The Sun, News Central TV.