At least two persons lost their lives yesterday when a fuel tanker exploded at the popular Cele bus stop on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos. The driver of the tanker reportedly lost control of the vehicle which fell on the road, spilled its content on the road and drainage channels before catching fire. At press time, two persons were reported dead while scores were said to be injured.
For several hours, firefighters from the Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), among others, battled to contain the inferno resulting from explosion.
Other agencies such as the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA), the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the police, etc, had hectic time managing the situation.
The sea of onlookers filled the pedestrian bridge as they helplessly watched the firefighters combat the raging fire. Vehicles were prevented from moving on both sides of the roads, while the thick dark smoke covered the area. It was gathered that the accident occurred at 5p.m. when the tanker loaded with 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise called fuel, lost control and crashed.
Speaking with New Telegraph, the state Director of Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, said six fire trucks were deployed to contain the inferno. He described the accident as “serious”. Fadipe said the inferno was caused by massive fuel spillage into drainage which later caught fire.
A motorist, who claimed to have witnessed the accident, said it was caused when two trucks collided on the expressway. He said: “Two male adults died in the incident. The accident occurred when the trucks collided. One hit the other at the back.
The driver of the first truck and his ‘motor boy’ died in the accident.” Officials of LASEMA, who pleaded anonymity, said two male adults died in the accident while those who were injured were taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, speaking after containing the fire, Fadipe urged motorists using the road to be safety conscious to avert fresh fire incident on the axis. In a text message to our correspondent, Fadipe said: “Fire has been effectively contained now. Hoping that motorists will adhere to safety rules to avoid re-ignition.”
General Manager, LASEMA, Michael Akindele, who said investigation would be carried out on the cause of the accident, also confirmed that two persons lost their lives. NEMA’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Farinloye, said bodies of victims had been taken to the mortuary. Farinloye said the agency would still carry out further investigation to determine the casualty figure.
