Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
Yesterday afternoon, tragedy struck when a commercial bus caught fire at Iyana-Oworo, Gbagada area of Lagos State, killing seven passengers, including a child.
The incident happened around 5 p.m., according to an eyewitness, as passersby rushed to put out the raging fire.
Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the incident and casualties.
“Upon arrival at the scene, a commercial bus of 14 passengers, Mazda, with number plate, KJA 699 GY, was discovered to have been gutted by fire,” Oke-Osanyitolu said.
“Further investigation at the scene revealed that the incident occurred due to the driver’s recklessness and overspeeding, which resulted in the fire with 12 passengers trapped.
“Fortunately, the driver escaped with minor burns, three female adults were rescued and taken to Gbagada General Hospital, and a male adult was treated at the scene by LASAMBUS.
“Unfortunately, seven people were killed in the bus, including four females, two male adults, and one male child.”
The burnt bodies of the victims were later bagged and handed over to the State Environmental Health Management Unit, SEHMU, by the agency’s LRT paramedics, Lagos State Ambulance Service, and LASAMBUS officials.
The burnt vehicle was removed from the road by men from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, who cordoned off the scene of the incident.
Rescue and security operations were also provided by police officers.
