A Coaster bus carrying about 40 passengers was completely destroyed by fire on Monday evening along Old CBN Road in Abuja, but all occupants escaped before the flames engulfed the vehicle.
The incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. beneath the Old CBN Bridge, causing panic among commuters and attracting residents, motorists and passersby who watched as thick smoke billowed into the air.
Although the vehicle was reduced to ashes, no deaths were recorded. Authorities are yet to confirm whether anyone sustained injuries.
One of the passengers, identified as Comfort, said she boarded the bus at Area 1 and was travelling to Mararaba when she noticed something unusual.
According to her, a burning smell became noticeable as the bus approached Apo Roundabout. Despite the smell, the journey continued until the vehicle reached Old CBN Road beneath the Old CBN Bridge.
She said the fire suddenly started underneath the bus.
“The fire started under the vehicle. Before the driver could properly park, the flames had already spread,” she recalled.
The passengers quickly evacuated the vehicle before the fire intensified, preventing what could have been a major tragedy.
The driver, identified as Samuel, said he managed to escape along with the passengers but left his mobile phone inside the bus during the emergency.
Another passenger also lost personal belongings worth an undisclosed amount as the fire spread rapidly through the vehicle, leaving no opportunity to recover them.
Samuel added that he was not the person who contacted the Fire Service after the incident.
Within minutes, the flames had engulfed the entire bus, reducing it to a burnt-out shell.
Personnel of the Fire Service arrived at the scene at about 7:20 p.m. after receiving reports of the incident.
The firefighters succeeded in putting out the blaze and prevented it from spreading to nearby vehicles or structures.
However, by the time the fire was brought under control, the bus had already been completely destroyed.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of the fire.
No formal statement had been issued as of the time of filing this report, and investigators are expected to determine what triggered the incident.
While the extent of injuries remains unconfirmed, eyewitnesses said all passengers and the crew escaped before the bus was engulfed in flames.
The incident has renewed concerns about vehicle maintenance, roadworthiness and emergency response, particularly for commercial transport operators in the Federal Capital Territory.
