18 passengers aboard a commercial bus narrowly escaped death when their vehicle caught fire in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. The terrifying episode unfolded on Friday, as the 18-seater bus traveled from Owerri in Imo State to Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State.
According to eyewitness reports, the fire erupted suddenly and spread rapidly, leaving virtually no time for the passengers to retrieve personal belongings or attempt to extinguish the blaze. The situation turned chaotic as smoke filled the cabin, triggering panic among those on board. Despite the intensity of the fire, all 18 passengers, including the bus driver and his conductor, managed to escape through the windows and doors, with many sustaining minor injuries such as bruises and scrapes in the process.
Eyewitnesses on the scene described the incident as a near-tragedy. One bystander, who gave his name as Tony, said, “The vehicle was coming from Owerri to Port Harcourt when fire suddenly started. It was serious, very serious. The fire broke out all of a sudden, and within minutes, the whole vehicle was engulfed. Thankfully, the driver and all 18 passengers managed to escape alive. We thank God for their lives.”
18 Passengers Escape Death as Bus Catches Fire in Rivers State
Initial accounts suggest the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction, although a formal investigation is still underway. Another witness remarked, “It looked like an electrical issue. The fire came from the front part of the bus and spread fast. Everyone started jumping out. Some people had to squeeze through the windows. It was terrifying.”
The immediate aftermath of the incident saw traffic brought to a standstill around the Igwuruta roundabout, a busy transit point in Rivers State. Onlookers gathered at a distance, watching helplessly as the bus burned to ashes. Some drivers and passengers from nearby vehicles attempted to offer help, but the fire was already beyond control. Tragically, no fire service units were present at the scene during or immediately after the fire outbreak, prompting criticism from witnesses about the state of emergency response in the area.
The lack of emergency services added to the alarm, with several people expressing concern over how such a potentially deadly situation could unfold in broad daylight without a coordinated response. “There was no fire truck, no emergency team,” one witness said. “What if people had been trapped? We need a better system for handling these emergencies.”
When contacted for a comment, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, stated that she had not yet received an official report on the incident but assured the public that the matter would be investigated. As of Friday evening, no further updates had been released by the police or emergency management agencies.
The bus, along with its contents, was completely destroyed by the fire.18 Passengers reportedly lost personal items including bags, mobile phones, and travel documents. While some were grateful for escaping with their lives, others lamented the loss of valuables they were transporting, particularly businesspeople who were reportedly carrying goods.
This frightening event has renewed calls for better enforcement of vehicle safety standards across Nigeria. Many observers and transport experts argue that buses, especially long-distance commercial vehicles, should undergo routine inspections and adhere to strict safety protocols to prevent such occurrences. The incident involving 18 passengers is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by mechanical and electrical failures in poorly maintained vehicles.
Additionally, the role of the state fire service has come under scrutiny. Several residents have urged the Rivers State government to equip fire stations with adequate resources and personnel to respond swiftly to emergencies, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Igwuruta axis.
While all 18 passengers escaped with their lives, the psychological trauma of such a close brush with death is not easily forgotten. Authorities are now being called upon to investigate not only the cause of the fire but also the apparent absence of emergency responders at the scene. For the survivors, Friday’s incident will remain an unforgettable experience, and for the broader public, it stands as a sobering warning about the need for better transport safety and emergency preparedness.
Source- EWN
