Two die in Lagos tanker fire

Fire razed two tankers on Monday at the Cele bus stop on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos State, during which two persons died.

Our correspondent gathered that the fire, which started around 4pm, was caused by one of the trucks – a tanker carrying 33,000 litres of petrol – which was discharging fuel by the expressway.

It was learnt that the driver of the tanker, as well as the motor boy, were killed in the inferno.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the fire spread to the second truck, which was on the Cele-Ikotun Bridge, and the two tankers were razed.

Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the police were said to have responded to the emergency.

The inferno reportedly caused gridlock for hours on the expressway.

The NEMA spokesperson, South-West Zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, said the fuel also spilled into some drainage channels.

He said, “Rescue operation is still on (7pm). The fire started from the driver’s side of the tanker. Petrol also spilled into the drainage channels. One person died and he is suspected to be the driver of the tanker.”

The LASEMA General Manager, Michael Akindele, said the accident involved a tanker and an articulated truck, adding that rescue agencies had restored normalcy to the area.

He said, “Our men are still assisting with other agencies in the rescue operation. Two persons are confirmed dead in the incident. Two trucks were involved in the inferno. But normalcy has been restored.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said the value of property destroyed by the fire was unknown as of press time.

She said, “Our policemen are on ground ensuring safety of lives and property on the scene. The firefighters are battling to put out the fire. The value of property destroyed is still unknown.”