Passengers aboard a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle narrowly escaped death on Tuesday after the bus caught fire while in motion on Mile 12 Bridge along Ikorodu Road in Lagos.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred mid-morning when the high-capacity bus was suddenly engulfed in flames during transit. The driver reportedly brought the vehicle to a halt, enabling passengers to quickly disembark before the fire intensified.
According to accounts from the scene, commuters scrambled to safety as thick smoke billowed from the vehicle. The swift evacuation ensured that no casualties were recorded.
Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, supported by other emergency responders, arrived promptly and battled the blaze. The fire was eventually extinguished, preventing it from spreading to nearby vehicles and infrastructure on the busy bridge.
Following the operation, the charred remains of the bus were towed away to restore the free flow of traffic along the ever-busy Ikorodu Road corridor, which experienced temporary congestion as a result of the incident.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports indicate that investigations are ongoing to ascertain whether the blaze was triggered by mechanical failure, electrical fault, or other factors.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, and officials commended passengers and first responders for their quick reaction, which averted what could have been a major tragedy.
The incident adds to concerns over vehicle safety and maintenance standards within the state’s mass transit system, particularly along high-traffic routes such as Mile 12 and Ikorodu Road.
