Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A high-capacity bus was consumed by fire on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State on Tuesday afternoon, causing significant disruption to traffic and prompting a major emergency response. The incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. local time on the inbound carriageway toward Iyana Oworo, near the Adekunle axis of the bridge, one of Africa’s busiest transport corridors. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the blaze and said authorities were on the scene managing both the fire and the resulting traffic chaos.
Eyewitness accounts and official updates described thick plumes of black smoke rising from the stricken bus, prompting motorists to slow down or divert as fire crews worked to contain the inferno. The type of bus involved was widely reported as a high-capacity commercial vehicle, with some outlets identifying it in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) category, although specific details about its operator were still emerging.
Traffic authorities confirmed that a dedicated firefighting team from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service responded swiftly to the scene, deploying equipment to extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby vehicles. LASTMA officers were also on hand directing traffic and advising motorists to avoid the affected section of the bridge where possible.
As of the most recent updates, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or serious injuries resulting from the fire. Emergency responders and traffic officials have been reluctant to speculate on the cause of the incident, with investigations ongoing to determine what ignited the blaze. Witnesses on social media and in videos circulating online showed the bus fully alight, with fire crews battling the flames as the toxic smoke drifted across the busy waterway.
The Third Mainland Bridge, an 11.8-kilometre span linking Lagos Island to the mainland, is a critical artery for commuters and commercial traffic. Incidents such as vehicle fires or breakdowns often result in significant delays given the volume of daily commuters and limited alternative routes. Tuesday’s fire quickly led to heavy traffic congestion extending from the Adekunle area toward Iyana Oworo, as officials managed the flow of vehicles around the scene.
Public safety concerns were amplified by the bridge’s narrow confines and the high density of vehicles at midday. LASTMA’s official posts on X (formerly Twitter) reassured motorists that efforts were underway to alleviate gridlock and called on drivers to exercise patience and caution. Firefighters continued working to fully extinguish the fire before the remains of the bus could be cleared from the roadway.
The Lagos State Government has previously emphasised the importance of compliance with safety standards for commercial buses, particularly those operating on high-speed and high-capacity routes like the Third Mainland Bridge. Vehicle fires can be triggered by a variety of factors including mechanical faults, electrical issues, or overheating of components, and are often exacerbated by inadequate maintenance. Recent incidents involving buses have drawn attention to the need for stringent enforcement of safety inspections for all public transport vehicles.
In addition to emergency response operations, Lagos traffic authorities are expected to conduct a full review of the incident once the immediate hazards are addressed. Such reviews typically involve determining whether the vehicle met regulatory requirements, if there were lapses in safety checks, and whether any third-party factors contributed to the outbreak of fire. The outcome could influence future enforcement measures and transport policy in the state.
Commuters and residents expressed frustration and anxiety as they encountered lengthy delays on one of the city’s principal bridges. Many shared images and videos of the blaze on social media, highlighting the stark visuals of the charred bus and the smoke that disrupted visibility for drivers. In previous years, similar events on the Third Mainland Bridge have underscored the fragility of transport infrastructure under stress and the potential for rapid escalation when emergencies occur on urban thoroughfares.
Authorities have urged motorists to seek alternative routes while the scene is cleared and normal traffic flow is restored. They also reiterated the importance of avoiding distractions while driving and maintaining safe distances from emergency zones, particularly in congestion-prone areas like the Third Mainland Bridge.
As firefighters continue to secure the area and investigators work to establish the cause of the fire, Lagos commuters remain on alert for further updates. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by rapidly growing urban centres in managing public transport safety and emergency response in the midst of heavy daily traffic.
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