At least 16 people lost their lives in a tragic accident on Tuesday when a Mazda bus caught fire at the Buhari Estate axis of the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) spokesperson in Ogun State, Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident, stating that the crash occurred around 1:00 p.m. and involved a Mazda bus with registration number KJA 949 YJ.
According to Okpe, the fire was triggered by an explosion from a gas cylinder inside the vehicle. A total of 21 people were involved in the accident, with 16 fatalities and three others sustaining injuries.
“The victims were burnt beyond recognition, making it difficult to determine their genders,” she said.
Injured survivors were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Idi Aba, Abeokuta, while arrangements were being made to evacuate the bodies.
The FRSC Sector Commander, Akinwumi Fasakin, visited the scene and expressed concern over the transportation of flammable materials in passenger vehicles.
Motorists were urged to avoid carrying gas cylinders and other hazardous items in public transport to prevent similar tragedies.