A tragic accident occurred yesterday along the Ballet inward corridor to Mile 2 in Okota, Isolo, when a yellow commercial minibus, popularly known as Faka, with registration number SMK 823 YK, overturned and burst into flames.
The incident claimed the lives of two people and left several others injured.
According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), preliminary findings revealed that the crash was triggered by an unidentified private vehicle reversing on the main carriageway.
This forced the minibus, which was travelling at considerable speed, to brake abruptly, lose control, and overturn multiple times before igniting. The fire was intensified by a five-litre container of petrol reportedly being conveyed inside the bus.
The driver and a female passenger seated at the front were burnt beyond recognition, while eight other passengers were rescued from the wreckage by LASTMA operatives on routine patrol.
With the assistance of a public-spirited motorist, the survivors were quickly evacuated to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
The accident scene was secured by the Divisional Traffic Officer of Ilasa Police Division, while the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with LASAMBUS, worked swiftly to extinguish the flames and manage emergency operations.
Hon. Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing the injured passengers a speedy recovery. He also issued a stern warning to motorists against reversing on highways, stressing that such reckless practices endanger lives and can lead to avoidable tragedies.
LASTMA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property on Lagos roads, urging all road users to comply strictly with traffic regulations and cooperate with traffic authorities to prevent needless loss of lives.
