18 Passengers escape death as bus bursts into flames in Rivers

DDM News

A tragedy was narrowly averted on Friday when an 18-seater commercial bus caught fire in Rivers State.

According to reports monitored by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the incident occurred in the Igwuruta area of Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The bus was en route from Owerri, Imo State, to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when the fire broke out mid-transit.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said the fire erupted without warning, forcing passengers to scramble for their lives.

Passengers, including the driver and conductor, abandoned the vehicle and fled as the flames quickly consumed the bus.

According to one witness, the fire was likely triggered by an electrical fault within the vehicle.

“It was an electrical issue,” the eyewitness explained.

“All the passengers were jumping out through the window and the door.”

The vehicle was fully loaded with passengers and goods, he added.

“Some passengers sustained bruises while escaping through the windows.”

Despite the chaos, no lives were lost in the incident.

Another eyewitness, who identified himself simply as Tony, confirmed the bus was traveling from Owerri when the fire started.

“It was a serious fire,” he said.

“The driver, conductor, and all the passengers ran out.”

“The bus got completely burnt, but we thank God there were no casualties.”

The fire caused serious traffic congestion around the Igwuruta roundabout as onlookers gathered and vehicles diverted to avoid the flames.

Several drivers parked at a distance to observe the scene, which quickly turned into a spectacle of smoke and panic.

The absence of fire service officials at the location drew concern from commuters and locals.

Although the fire did not spread to nearby vehicles, it caused anxiety on the busy road.

No emergency unit was seen responding to the fire even as the vehicle burned to ashes.

Some passengers tried to retrieve their personal belongings, but the speed of the fire made it impossible.

The flames devoured the entire bus within minutes, leaving behind only its metallic skeleton.

The goods loaded on the bus were also destroyed in the blaze.

Many survivors attributed their escape to divine intervention, giving thanks for their lives.

The accident scene soon became a temporary spectacle, with people recording the aftermath on their phones.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command said it had not yet received an official report about the incident.

The spokesperson of the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said inquiries were ongoing as of Friday evening.

She promised to update the public once verified details became available.

The incident highlights growing concerns about the safety of commercial buses on Nigerian highways.

Over the years, faulty electrical wiring has been a recurring cause of fire outbreaks in public vehicles.

In many cases, poor maintenance practices by operators contribute to avoidable disasters.

Public transportation remains a key mode of movement for many Nigerians, especially in the southeast and south-south regions.

Unfortunately, safety regulations are often poorly enforced by transport unions and government agencies.

The absence of fire service response at the Igwuruta roundabout underscores Nigeria’s emergency preparedness challenges.

In previous incidents, delayed or non-existent emergency responses have worsened already critical situations.

Stakeholders in the transport sector are now calling for compulsory inspection of all interstate buses.

Such checks, they say, will help detect and prevent faults that may lead to electrical fires or road crashes.

Passengers also want better enforcement of safety standards before buses depart from motor parks.

Many believe that transport operators must be held accountable when buses are not roadworthy.

Commuters are urging government authorities to deploy rapid-response fire teams along major highways.

They say this is crucial for saving lives and minimizing property losses during road emergencies.

As of now, the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Survivors are being treated for minor injuries, mostly bruises and cuts sustained while escaping.

No deaths or life-threatening injuries have been confirmed, making the incident a miracle of sorts.

But the event serves as a cautionary tale for bus drivers, passengers, and regulatory bodies.

It reminds all road users that vehicle maintenance, emergency planning, and enforcement of safety rules must not be taken lightly.

For the people of Igwuruta and travelers on that route, it was a day they will not soon forget.

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