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About 16 persons have been confirmed dead as a bus loaded with passengers explodes along Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway.
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FRSC spokesperson, Mrs Florence Okpe has confirmed the tragic incident
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The cause of the explosion has been linked to a filled gas cylinder that exploded in the bus.
A bus conveying passengers along Ogun expressway has exploded killing about sixteen(16) persons while others sustained different degrees of burns due to the explosion.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that a total of twenty-one(21) persons were in the exploded bus. Through their spokesperson, Mrs Florence Okpe, it has been revealed that the bus was carrying a filled gas cylinder, a highly flammable material that likely contributed to the fatal explosion.
The vehicle involved in the accident was a Mazda bus with plate number KJA 949 YJ, that took its journey from Ibadan to reach Ogun but unfortunately met its end on the express road.
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According to Mrs Okpe, the accident occurred around 1 pm on Tuesday, 4th of March 2025. The charred remains of the victims were met at the incident as most bodies were burnt beyond recognition.
On the swift intervention of the Sector Commander, Mr. Akinwumi Fasakin, the remaining persons who were badly injured were rushed to Federal Medical Centre, Idi Aba, Abeokuta.
Mr. Akinwumi expressed great displeasure over the incident noting that the magnitude of the explosion wouldn’t have been this massive if the driver had objected to carrying a gas-filled cylinder.
“The driver should have objected to carrying a cylinder filled with gas. Highly flammable items should be transported with care by designated vehicles driven by trained drivers only,” he stated.
READ ALSO: Devastating Fuel Tanker Explosion in Enugu State Kills Scores
The governor of Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun also expressed displeasure over the incident. He also issued a caution to the commercial bus drivers through a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade.
He said, “This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers linked to the transportation of flammable materials. As we grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is essential for all stakeholders—drivers, unions, and regulatory bodies—to work collaboratively towards ensuring that such incidents do not recur.
“The safety of passengers must remain paramount, and all necessary measures should be taken to protect lives on the roads. Only through collective efforts and a commitment to best practices can the state hope to minimize the risks associated with the transportation of dangerous goods.”
He equally commiserated with the families whose loved ones were involved in the accident. Meanwhile, Two others were alleged to have escaped from the explosion unhurt but Daily Report Nigeria is yet to confirm the report making rounds online.
Other Fatal accidents that shook the country since this year
The Benin-Auchi fatal accident in Edo State which claimed the lives of about 12 passengers when the bus conveying the passengers caught fire after colliding with a truck.
The Eleme multiple tanker explosion at the East-West Road, Rivers State which claimed about (5) lives, burnt vehicles and materials around.
The Niger tanker explosion which burnt several persons including those scooping spilled fuel from the tanker.
The devastating Enugu tanker explosion that claimed eleven (11) lives along Enugu-Onitsha expressway, when the fuel-laden tanker experienced brake failure while navigating the hilly road.
All these are a reflection of the road safety challenges in Nigeria. With numerous potholes on the roles, non-working traffic lights, death trap roads and illegal conveyance of flammable materials, these ugly accidents are bound to happen. The mindset of the people aren’tisn’taside. Because most drivers are on the highway with non-functioning brake vehicles, rickety buses that have overstayed their life span, people scooping spilled fuel and other related issues.
This is a call to both leaders and followers to observe road commands, put safety first and protect lives. Safety isn’t that of the government alone, it should be the concern of everyone.
