A fire that broke out early Wednesday morning along the Ibafo section of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, caused by a petrol tanker blaze, has resulted in the destruction of vehicles valued at millions of naira, along with homes and livestock, leaving residents in a state of fear.
Multiple people also suffered injuries of varying severity. THE Punch correspondent who was at the scene reported that the fire started when a petrol-laden tanker overturned in front of a commercial bank situated along the Ibafo section of the expressway.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the tanker driver was believed to have dozed off at the wheel, resulting in a loss of control that caused the tanker to overturn and ultimately explode. Eye witnesses noted that the petrol spill flowed through a drainage system that connected to a community approximately one kilometer from the expressway.
The effects of the fire were clear, with numerous buildings experiencing broken windows, damaged roofs, and cracked walls. An eyewitness named Wasiu attributed the incident to the tanker driver’s reckless driving.
He explained: “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.”
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A resident of the impacted community, Tunde Adewumi, mentioned that the fire triggered panic since many people were asleep when it reached the area.
He said: “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.”
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, stated that the tanker driver suffered injuries and was transported to the hospital.
“The incident involved a Fiat truck, but the driver’s identity and address are not known at this time. The accident happened when the driver lost control of the steering and crashed into the roadside curb. The truck, which is thought to be carrying petrol, overturned and caught fire. The flames spread to the truck and ultimately consumed it.
“Furthermore, the fire spread to the Osadol Petrol Station, causing damage to two trucks parked outside. During the incident, the fire service was notified, but community members and police officers were able to control the flames while waiting for them to arrive. The truck driver has been taken to Real Divine Touch Hospital in Ibafo for medical care,” Odutola mentioned.
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