Abeokuta, Nigeria – A tragic gas tanker explosion on Saturday along the Abeokuta-Sango-Lagos Expressway has resulted in one fatality, six injuries, and the destruction of six vehicles. The spokesperson for the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident in a statement to the press.
According to Okpe, the victim was believed to be the motorboy of the gas-laden tanker involved in the explosion. The accident occurred around 4:10 pm and was believed to have been caused by brake failure, causing the truck to veer out of control and collide with a roadside culvert, igniting a fierce blaze that engulfed multiple vehicles and shops nearby.
A total of five vehicles, including a Nissan, Micra, Sino Truck, and a Honda CRV without a visible registration number, were caught in the flames. The suspected cause of the crash was mechanical failure, leading to a fiery chain reaction that resulted in the tragic loss of life and destruction.
Emergency services were promptly alerted, and efforts were made to prevent further accidents at the scene. The deceased was taken to the State General Hospital morgue in Abeokuta, while the injured individuals were cared for by their families. Additionally, the Ogun State Director of Fire Service, Fatai Adefala, confirmed that fire service personnel were working diligently to clear the aftermath of the burnt tanker.
The community is left grappling with the aftermath of the devastating explosion, which serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in transporting hazardous materials. Authorities are conducting investigations to determine the exact cause of the accident and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As residents mourn the loss of life and property, efforts are being made to provide support and assistance to those affected by the explosion. The tragic event underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and regulations in the transportation and handling of dangerous substances to prevent such incidents from occurring again.