A driver and a passenger were burnt to death, and others were injured in an accident involving a minibus along the Ballet inward corridor to Mile 2, Okota, Isolo, Lagos State, on Tuesday.

Spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, in a statement, said the minibus was trying to avoid another vehicle reversing on the main carriageway when it overturned repeatedly and went up in flames.

“Preliminary security findings revealed that the unfortunate incident was precipitated by an unknown private vehicle reversing on the main carriageway, an action that compelled the commercial minibus travelling at considerable speed to apply an abrupt brake.

“This sudden manoeuvre caused the vehicle to lose stability, overturn repeatedly, and ultimately burst into flames while conveying nine passengers, including the driver.

“Further investigations revealed that the commercial bus driver was reportedly conveying a five-litre container of petrol within the vehicle. The highly flammable substance ignited immediately following the crash, resulting in a severe fire outbreak. Tragically, the driver and a female passenger seated at the front were burnt beyond recognition in the ensuing inferno,” Mr Taofiq explained.

He said operatives rescued eight passengers from the wreckage and took them to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

Mr Taofiq added that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ambulance Service, later extinguished the fire, while the accident scene was secured with the support of the divisional traffic officer of the Ilasa Police Division.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s special adviser on transportation, Sola Giwa, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.

He urged motorists to concentrate while driving and desist from reversing on highways.