A petrol tanker fully loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) explodes at Ajegunle via Toll Gate Bus Stop, Abeokuta Expressway, Lagos.
However, the fire was quickly combated by Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
Adeseye Margaret, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said the incident happened around 02.16 hours Friday.
She added that the incident occurred while the 45,000-capacity tanker was negotiating a bend along the highway to service Ayinde Oil Petrol Filling Station.
Margaret said: “The spillage spread through some makeshift structures on the roadside and attracted residents who risked their lives to scoop the PMS with containers of various types resulting in the ensuing Fire.
“Those involved in the nefarious act are warned to desist from putting their lives at risk.
“The situation has been brought under control by the Agege, Ikeja, and Alausa Fire Fighting crews of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
“The public is advised to exercise caution along the axis as the evacuation of the burnt tanker progresses while outbound Lagos vehicular traffic has been temporarily diverted to inbound.”
Margaret however confirmed one person died as a result of the incident.
She said: “Unfortunately, the body of a male adult and three vehicles were recovered from the scene of the inferno. Shops along the axis were also affected by the Fire.
“Emergency responders are still at the scene to ensure that all hindrances to free movement and wreckage of the tanker are removed promptly.”
