On October 30, 2024, a terrifying incident occurred when a commercial bus caught fire on the Old Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State. Fourteen passengers managed to escape just in time, while the driver sustained minor injuries.

The bus, a Toyota Hiace, was traveling to Asaba, Delta State, when flames suddenly erupted from the front of the vehicle. Eyewitness Obiora Uzor described the chaos as passengers rushed to get out before the fire engulfed the entire bus.

“The bus went up in flames while moving, and everyone panicked,” Uzor said. “No one knows what caused the fire.”

The incident led to significant traffic congestion on the bridge as other drivers and pedestrians tried to help extinguish the flames before firefighters arrived.

The Anambra State Fire Service confirmed they received an emergency call at 9:30 AM regarding the fire. Firefighters quickly responded, bringing the blaze under control and ensuring the safety of other vehicles on the bridge. Thankfully, no serious injuries or fatalities were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown.

The fire service urged the public to report fires promptly and emphasized the importance of having fire extinguishers in vehicles to prevent such dangerous situations in the future.