Ogun Tanker Fire Claims Life, Hospitalizes Nursing Mother
Mercy Emmanuel, a mother of four, has tragically passed away after sustaining severe burns from a tanker fire that occurred last Wednesday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The incident began when a petrol-laden tanker overturned near a commercial bank on the Ibafo section of the highway, leading to a massive fire that spread through the surrounding community.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver of the tanker likely fell asleep at the wheel, losing control and causing the tanker to overturn and explode. The spillage from the tanker flowed through a drainage system, spreading the fire about a kilometer away into the community. The impact of the fire was devastating, leaving several buildings damaged with shattered windows, cracked walls, and destroyed roofs.
Ismail Emmanuel, the husband of the deceased, recounted the harrowing experience of trying to save his wife. He explained that Mercy had tried to flee from the flames but fell into a fire-engulfed drainage, which ultimately led to her fatal injuries. Ismail revealed that they had sought medical help at several hospitals but were unable to afford the N6 million deposit required at a hospital in Lagos. Despite their efforts to transfer her to the Gbagada General Hospital, Mercy sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Her body has been deposited at a private morgue in Ibafo, and her grieving husband has appealed to the government for support, highlighting the financial strain his family now faces.
In addition to Mercy’s tragic death, a nursing mother in the community was also severely injured while trying to rescue her children from the fire. She is currently hospitalized after sustaining burns to her body. A resident of the community, Bidemi, described how the woman fell while trying to save her children, with the fire burning her sideways.
Other victims of the fire, many of whom lost vehicles and property worth millions of naira, have also appealed to the state government for assistance. The fire destroyed several homes and vehicles, which served as the victims’ primary source of livelihood.
In response to the tragedy, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed his condolences to the affected families and urged tanker drivers to exercise caution on the roads to prevent future incidents. However, many victims are still awaiting concrete support to help them recover from their losses.
