Bolaji Okunola
Tension gripped commuters on Saturday morning when a commercial bus en route from Ikorodu to CMS went up in flames while in motion. Fortunately, all passengers escaped unhurt.
The incident occurred around midday and was witnessed by passersby and other motorists along the busy corridor. A correspondent from Channels Television who was present at the scene reported that the fire originated from the driver’s side of the vehicle.
A passenger described how smoke was initially dismissed as coming from other vehicles until it grew thicker and filled the interior, prompting passengers to scramble out of the bus in panic.
Emergency responders, including officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigeria Police, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and local security units, promptly intervened to extinguish the flames and secure the area.
However, eyewitnesses said the driver and conductor of the ill-fated vehicle fled the scene as soon as the fire started. One visibly shaken passenger accused them of knowingly operating a faulty vehicle, putting lives at risk.
“The driver and conductor didn’t even say a word—they just disappeared. People are saying they knew the bus wasn’t in good shape before they left Ikorodu,” the passenger said.
Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the fire, but investigations are ongoing. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has urged commercial transport operators to carry out regular vehicle maintenance to prevent similar occurrences.
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