Two dead in Okota minibus inferno, LASTMA rescues eight

By Efe Onodjae

Tragedy struck on Tuesday along the Okota–Isolo axis of Lagos as a commercial minibus went up in flames, killing two occupants and injuring eight others.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in a press statement signed by the
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Adebayo Taofiq said the incident involved a yellow commercial minibus, popularly known as Faka, with registration number SMK 823 YK, along the Ballet inward corridor to Mile 2, Okota.

Preliminary security reports indicated that the crash was triggered by an unidentified private vehicle that reversed on the main carriageway, forcing the speeding commercial bus to brake suddenly. The manoeuvre reportedly caused the vehicle to lose control, overturn several times and burst into flames while conveying nine passengers, including the driver.

Investigations further revealed that the driver was allegedly carrying a five-litre container of petrol inside the bus. The highly inflammable substance ignited on impact, leading to a severe fire outbreak.
The driver and a female passenger seated at the front were said to have been burnt beyond recognition in the inferno.

LASTMA operatives on routine patrol in the area were said to have responded swiftly, rescuing eight passengers from the wreckage before the fire escalated. The injured victims were immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital with the assistance of a public-spirited motorist.

The scene was secured with the support of the Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) of Ilasa Police Division, who coordinated security and traffic control. Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, alongside LASAMBUS, also arrived promptly to extinguish the fire and support rescue efforts.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and condoled with the families of the deceased. He also wished the injured passengers a speedy and full recovery.

Giwa warned both private and commercial motorists against dangerous driving habits, particularly reversing on highways, describing such actions as life-threatening and capable of causing avoidable disasters.

The post Two dead in Okota minibus inferno, LASTMA rescues eight appeared first on Vanguard News.