At least 17 people escaped unhurt on Wednesday after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus exploded and burst into flames at Berger Bus Stop along the Lagos-bound section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

However, one male passenger sustained severe burn injuries and was rushed to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre at the Toll Gate for urgent medical attention.

The fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus, with registration number EKY 798 YK, was reportedly conveying 18 occupants from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when the explosion occurred, triggering panic among passengers and other road users.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed that the agency's personnel promptly mobilised to the scene and rescued the occupants.

According to a statement issued through LASTMA's Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, officers of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service subsequently extinguished the fire to prevent it from spreading, while personnel of the Ojodu Police Division provided security and maintained order during the operation.

Bakare-Oki commended LASTMA personnel for their swift response and appreciated the collaboration of the fire service and the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring the successful rescue operation.

He noted that the incident highlighted the importance of prompt emergency response and inter-agency collaboration in managing road accidents and other emergencies.

The LASTMA boss urged commercial transport operators, particularly those operating CNG-powered vehicles, to ensure regular professional inspections, comply with established safety standards and maintain their gas storage and delivery systems properly to prevent similar incidents.