At least seven passengers were on Sunday confirmed dead, while five others suffered varying degrees of burns when a commercial bus went up in flames around Iyana Oworo axis of Lagos State.
It was gathered that the seven passengers died after the bus caught fire, killing four females, two males and a male child.
According to witnesses, the driver of the commercial bus with registration number: KJA 699 GY, escaped with some burns and a male passenger was given medical care by officials of Lagos State Ambulance Bus Services (LASAMBUS) at the scene.
It was learnt that three female adults, who were rescued by emergency officials, have been rushed to Gbagada General Hospital after suffering severe degrees of burns during the accident.
The bus was said to be heading to Iyana Oworonshoki when it suddenly experienced an electrical fault and suddenly caught fire at about sunset.
Confirming the incident, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said seven persons died in the accident.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, the remains of the deceased have been handed over to the State Environmental Health Management Unit (SEHMU) for proper care pending when their families could identify them.
He said, “Upon arrival at the scene, a commercial bus of 14 passenger Mazda with registration number KJA 699 GY was discovered to have been gutted with fire.
“Further investigation gathered at the scene revealed that the incident occurred due to recklessness and overspeeding by the driver which resulted in the fire with 12 passengers trapped.
“Arrangements have been made with the officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) at the scene for immediate removal of the burnt vehicle from the road.
“LRT alongside LRU Paramedics LASTMA, LASAMBUS, SEHMU, and the Nigerian Police are responders at the scene. The road is partially opened for vehicular activities.”
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