An early Wednesday morning fire incident along the Ibafo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, caused by a petrol tanker fire, has destroyed vehicles, houses and livestock, worth millions of Naira.
The inferno which left residents of the area in panic saw individuals sustain varying degrees of injuries.
The Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident noted that the driver of the tanker sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital.
Odutola said: “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.”
However, according to some eyewitnesses, the fire began when the tanker driver, loaded with petrol, overturned in front of a commercial bank located along the Ibafo section of the expressway.
The driver was suspected to have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing him to lose control, which led to the tanker’s fall and eventual explosion.
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The petrol spill passed through a drainage system that led to a community about one kilometre from the expressway.
The impact of the fire was evident, with several buildings having broken windows, damaged roofs, and cracked walls.
One witness 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.”
Photos from the fire outbreak
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