A fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday along the Ibafo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, ignited by a petrol tanker. This incident resulted in the destruction of vehicles valued at millions of Naira, as well as damage to homes and livestock, causing panic among residents.
Several individuals sustained various injuries in the chaos. According to reports, the fire began when the tanker, loaded with petrol, overturned near a commercial bank on the Ibafo section of the expressway. Eyewitnesses believe the driver fell asleep at the wheel, leading to the tanker’s loss of control, subsequent fall, and explosion.
It was noted that the petrol spill traveled through a drainage system, reaching a community approximately one kilometer away from the expressway.
The damage from the fire was significant, with many buildings suffering shattered windows, damaged roofs, and cracked walls. Eyewitness Wasiu attributed the incident to the tanker driver’s reckless driving. He stated, “What I saw was that the tanker was swaying before it fell and spilt its contents into the drainage. It didn’t catch fire immediately, as some hoodlums had started scooping the fuel. However, after a few minutes, fire struck from the other side of the expressway, and it escalated. Four tipper trucks parked on the premises of Osadol Fuel Station were destroyed. I also learned that the fire extended into the community close to the expressway.”...Read Full Article [Click Here>]
Resident Tunde Adewumi expressed concern about the panic caused by the fire, especially since many were asleep when it spread. He commented, “It was a serious incident, but thank God the drainage had been constructed; otherwise, the damage would have been much worse. The fire injured about three people and damaged buildings. Those affected were mostly people living close to where the drainage construction ends.”
Ogun State Police Command spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident, stating that the tanker driver sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital. She explained, “The incident involved a Fiat truck, but the driver’s name and address are currently unknown. The accident occurred when the driver lost control of the steering and collided with the roadside curb. The truck, believed to be carrying petrol, fell over and caught fire. The fire spread to the truck and eventually engulfed it. Additionally, the fire reached the Osadol Petrol Station, damaging two trucks parked outside. At the time of the incident, the fire service was contacted, but community members and police officers managed to bring the fire under control while awaiting their arrival. The truck driver has been taken to Real Divine Touch Hospital in Ibafo for medical treatment,” Odutola stated.
