A devastating road traffic accident involving a commercial bus (popularly known as Faka SMK 823 YK), yesterday, claimed the lives of two occupants and left several others injured along Ballet inward Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.
According to an eyewitness, the incident, which occurred about 5p.m., was precipitated by an unknown private vehicle reversing on the main carriageway, an action that compelled the commercial minibus travelling at considerable speed to apply brake, reports Vanguard.
The sudden manoeuvre caused the vehicle to lose stability, overturn repeatedly and ultimately burst into flames in the process. The bus was conveying nine passengers.
Men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, who sped to the scene, revealed that the commercial bus driver was conveying a five-litre container of petrol in the vehicle.
The highly inflammable substance ignited immediately following the crash, resulting in a severe fire outbreak.
“Tragically, the driver and a female passenger seated at the front burnt beyond recognition in the ensuing inferno,” LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, stated.
According to Bakre-Oki, LASTMA operatives, who were on routine traffic surveillance within the axis, responded with commendable promptness and professionalism.
“Through swift intervention, they successfully rescued eight passengers from the wreckage before the fire intensified and immediately facilitated their evacuation to a nearby medical facility with the assistance of a public-spirited motorist,” he explained.
The accident scene was promptly secured with the support of the Divisional Traffic Officer, DTO, of Ilasa Police Division, who was on ground to ensure adequate security and traffic control. The accident led to gridlock in the axis.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with Lagos State Ambulances Service, LASAMBUS, also responded to extinguish the fire and manage emergency rescue operations.
