Two persons have been confirmed dead in a fatal road traffic incident involving a commercial mini yellow bus along the Ballet inward corridor to Mile 2, Okota, in the Isolo area of Lagos, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has said.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, involved a commercial minibus with registration number SMK 823 YK, popularly known as Faka, and left eight other passengers injured.
In a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment, LASTMA, Taofiq Adebayo, preliminary investigations indicated that the crash was triggered by an unidentified private vehicle reversing on the main carriageway, forcing the commercial bus to brake abruptly.
“The sudden manoeuvre caused the vehicle to lose control, overturn repeatedly and eventually burst into flames while conveying nine passengers, including the driver,” Adebayo said.
Further findings revealed that the driver was conveying a five-litre container of petrol inside the vehicle, which ignited immediately after the crash, resulting in a severe fire outbreak.
“The driver and a female passenger seated at the front were burnt beyond recognition in the inferno,” the statement added.
LASTMA operatives on routine patrol reportedly responded promptly and rescued eight passengers from the wreckage before the fire escalated, with the victims evacuated to a nearby medical facility with the assistance of a public-spirited motorist.
The scene was secured with support from the Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) of the Ilasa Police Division, while the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and LASAMBUS also responded swiftly to extinguish the fire and manage emergency rescue operations.
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, expressed deep sorrow and commiserated with the families of the deceased, while wishing the injured passengers a speedy recovery.
Giwa warned motorists, both private and commercial, against dangerous driving practices, particularly reversing on highways, noting that such actions pose serious risks and could trigger avoidable tragedies.
LASTMA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property on Lagos roads and urged all road users to comply strictly with traffic regulations and prioritise safety at all times.
