A tragic accident occurred on the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria, when a Mazda bus carrying 21 passengers caught fire near the Buhari Estate axis around 1:00 p.m. on March 4, 2025. The fire was reportedly caused by the explosion of a gas cylinder that was being transported inside the vehicle. As a result, 16 passengers were burned beyond recognition, while three others suffered various degrees of injuries.
Authorities have since detained the bus driver for questioning regarding the incident. Initial investigations suggest that the presence of the gas cylinder in a passenger vehicle led to the explosion. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other emergency responders arrived at the scene to manage the situation and transport the injured victims to a nearby hospital.
Following the tragedy, the Ogun State FRSC Sector Commander, Akinwumi Fasakin, expressed concern over the transport of highly flammable materials in passenger vehicles. He emphasized that drivers must refuse to carry such items and advised that they should only be transported by designated vehicles operated by trained personnel. His statement highlighted the importance of adhering to safety regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This incident has reignited discussions on road safety and the dangers of improperly transporting hazardous materials. Experts are calling for stricter enforcement of transport regulations to ensure that commercial vehicles do not carry dangerous substances. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the need for heightened awareness and caution on Nigerian roads.
