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Sunday, February 19, 2012

SCENE OF TANKER FIRE



5 die, 40 vehicles burnt in Lagos fire

Five people were burnt to death and many others severely injured as a tanker went up in flame around Mile 2, along the Apapa Oshodi Expressway in Lagos State.

Besides, no fewer than 40 vehicles, most of which belonged to transport companies, were also completely burnt in the fire incident that occurred around 12.00 midnight.

The development also created serious traffic gridlock along the ever-busy road.

The petrol tanker, with registration number XB 370 ATN, lost control and tumbled while descending the Mile 2 Oke Bridge and exploded, emptying its content on the road.
An eye witness informed Sunday Tribune that the tanker later exploded.

He said the driver of the truck, while trying to negotiate the bend between the bridge and Orile road, lost control and eventually crashed the truck.

Another eye witness who identified himself simply as Iyke stated that “everybody just heard a loud sound and before we knew it, there was fire everywhere.”

Five people were caught in the ravaging fire and they were burnt to death, while many others were injured before the fire was eventually put out.

Among those who died were said to be the driver of the tanker and two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) who were said to be around the area when the incident occurred.

About 40 vehicles, including Toyota buses, known as “Hummer Buses” in local parlance, belonging to transportation companies were burnt in the fire. There were also taxi cabs and private cars among the burnt vehicles.

A public toilet located within the vicinity was also torched.

The fire incident created serious commotion as traders and transporters battled to salvage some of their properties while the fire raged.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joseph Jayeoba, confirmed the fire incident, but stated that only three people had been confirmed dead.

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