Fuel Tanker Explosions Claims Four Lives, Properties in Akure

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

An articulated vehicle loaded with fuel yesterday gone up in flames, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The accident occurred when the petrol tanker, on top speed, tried to avoid colliding with another car.

It lost control and immediately exploded when it fell.

The accident occurred few meters away from an NNPC filling station on the ever busy Onyarugbulem junction which links Shagari village along the Owo-Benin expressway, Akure.

It was gathered that people were trapped in the raging inferno, which they said also affected some buildings by the road side.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 7pm on Wednesday evening (03-10-2018), claiming four lives and properties.

“The tanker was on a high speed when a Toyota Corolla car suddenly crossed the road; as the tanker driver was trying to avoid hitting the car, he swerved off his lane and the vehicle fell on the car; it caught fire immediately.

“Although, we don’t know the figure of those involved, but I am very sure that the occupants of the Toyota car that hit the petrol tanker have been burnt into ashes,” he said.

The eyewitness added that it took many hours before the men of Ondo State Fire Service arrived the scene to put it out.

Some men of the state police command and the men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps also made efforts to avoid more casualties.

The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, who visited the scene of the fuel truck explosion described the incident as sad and unfortunate.

Ajayi, accompanied by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale and the State Commissioner for Works, Rt. Hon. Taofiq Abdulsalam, arrived the tragic scene at exactly 8:35pm also commended the emergency responders for their quick response, which according to him prevented the truck loaded with 33,000 litres of diesel from causing more havoc in the area.

The Deputy Governor however commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and their properties to the incident.