On Saturday morning, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle traveling from Ikorodu to CMS burst into flames in the Maryland area of Lagos State, sparking panic among passengers and commuters. The incident, which occurred during peak hours, left passengers scrambling for safety as thick smoke began to emanate from the driver’s side of the bus.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started as light smoke, initially mistaken for exhaust fumes from nearby vehicles. However, the situation escalated rapidly, forcing passengers to evacuate the bus moments before it was engulfed in flames. According to one passenger, “As soon as we saw that the smoke grew bigger, we immediately rushed off the bus before the fire ignited.” Some passengers sustained minor injuries during the frantic escape.
In a shocking turn of events, both the driver and conductor of the bus reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene without attempting to assist passengers or address the situation. A passenger alleged, “The driver and conductor ran away. They didn’t even wait to see what would happen to us. Definitely, they knew what happened. They knew the bus was faulty before putting it on the road and risking our lives.”
Emergency responders, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and local security teams, arrived promptly to contain the blaze and manage traffic disruptions caused by the incident. LASTMA officials later confirmed via social media that traffic flow had been restored after clearing the burnt vehicle from the road.
While no fatalities were reported, the incident has raised concerns about safety standards and maintenance practices for public transportation in Lagos. Many commuters have called for stricter regulations to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy before being put into service.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved oversight in Nigeria’s public transport system.
