Two Killed, Eight Rescued as Minibus Catches Fire in Okota — LASTMA

Two Killed, Eight Rescued as Minibus Catches Fire in Okota — LASTMA

Lagos, Nigeria — Two persons have been confirmed dead, while eight others sustained injuries following a fatal road traffic accident involving a commercial minibus that went up in flames along the Okota corridor of Lagos State on Tuesday, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has said.

The incident occurred along the Ballet inward corridor to Mile 2, Okota, Isolo, and involved a yellow commercial minibus (popularly known as Faka), with registration number SMK 823 YK, which was conveying passengers at the time of the crash.

According to preliminary findings by security agencies, the accident was triggered when an unidentified private vehicle suddenly reversed on the main carriageway, forcing the oncoming commercial bus, which was reportedly travelling at speed, to brake abruptly. The sudden manoeuvre caused the bus to lose control, overturn multiple times, and subsequently catch fire.

Investigations further revealed that the driver was allegedly transporting a five-litre container of petrol inside the vehicle. The highly flammable substance ignited following the crash, resulting in a fire outbreak. Tragically, the driver and a female passenger seated at the front of the bus lost their lives in the incident.

LASTMA officials, who were on routine traffic monitoring in the area, responded swiftly to the emergency. Their prompt intervention led to the successful rescue of eight passengers from the vehicle before the fire spread further. The injured victims were immediately conveyed to a nearby medical facility with the assistance of a concerned motorist.

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

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery.

He also issued a strong warning to both private and commercial motorists against dangerous driving practices, particularly reversing on highways, stressing that such actions pose serious risks and can lead to avoidable tragedies.

LASTMA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property on Lagos roads and urged all road users to strictly comply with traffic regulations, prioritise safety, and cooperate fully with traffic management authorities to prevent needless loss of lives.