A high-capacity Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle was destroyed by fire on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The incident took place on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos during the afternoon hours. Consequently, this has led to significant traffic congestion along one of the city’s most vital transport corridors.
The blaze reportedly began while the bus was traveling toward Iyana Oworo. Specifically, the fire broke out near the Adekunle axis of the bridge. Although the vehicle suffered severe damage, the status of the passengers and potential casualties remains unconfirmed at this time.
Emergency Response and Traffic Impact
As news of the fire spread, social media footage showed a thick plume of black smoke rising from the bridge. Because of the intense flames, motorists and commuters were forced to slow down. This reaction created a massive bottleneck that stretched for several kilometers.
In immediate response, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene to extinguish the blaze. Meanwhile, officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) focused on managing the heavy gridlock.
Official Statement from LASTMA: “A high-capacity bus is on fire on the Third Mainland Bridge, by Adekunle, inwards Iyana Oworo, affecting traffic. Efforts are ongoing to put out the fire, and our officers are on scene managing the traffic situation.”
Historical Context: A Recurring Safety Concern?
This event mirrors a similar emergency from April 2025. In that instance, a BRT bus traveling from Ikorodu to CMS caught fire in the Maryland area. While passengers were safely evacuated during that incident, the driver and conductor reportedly fled the scene.
These recurring fires have now sparked a wider public debate. Many citizens are raising questions regarding the maintenance and safety standards of high-capacity public transport vehicles across Lagos State.
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