Tanker Fire Worsen Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Traffic

A petrol-laden tanker on Sunday exploded after it collided with a Sport Utility Vehicle on the Long Bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The incident occurred around 4.30 pm on Sunday.

A team of emergency responders including policemen, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency and the State Fire and Safety Service were sighted at work.

The incident also caused traffic gridlock along the axis as some vehicles resorted to driving against traffic to avoid the fire.

According to an eyewitness, “The driver of the SUV was on top speed as he was trying to overtake some vehicles. Immediately he successfully drove past about three vehicles, he tried to swerve back to the left but the tanker was already on the lane and that was how the vehicle ran into it.”

No casualty was recorded in the accident.

The Ogun State Sector Commander, FRSC, Ahmed Umar, said the accident was caused by a tyre burst.

He said, “The SUV had a tyre burst, lost control and swerved towards the tanker which led to the incident. The two adults and two children who were in the vehicle were rescued by our officials who were patrolling the corridor.”

The unit commandant of TRACE covering the OPIC and MFM axis, Ojo Oloye, said the fire could not be put out immediately as a result of the fuel still in the tanker.

“Firemen have tried to put out the fire. They ran out of water and have gone to replenish. Our men are also trying to control the traffic alongside the police and FRSC officials,” he added.