JUST IN: TWO DEAD AS GAS TANKER–TIPPER CRASH TRIGGERS INFERNO, DESTROYS WAREHOUSES IN LAGOS

Read Time:1 Minute, 26 Second

By ‘Sefiu Ajape

A gas explosion in the Ajah area of Lagos on Saturday claimed two lives and destroyed several properties, including warehouses and roadside shops.

The incident occurred in the early hours along the Lekki-Epe Expressway at Tera Ahmed bus stop, Sangotedo, after a collision between a gas tanker and a tipper truck.

Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident.

According to the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Amodu Shakiru, the fire had been extinguished as of the time of filing this report.

In a statement signed by the Controller General, Margaret Adeseye, the service said the situation had been brought under control.

“The accident, which was alerted at 02:36 wee hours Saturday, saw Lekki Phase II, Oniru, and Epe II Fire Stations of the agency raced to the scene after it was reported that an oncoming speeding 20-tonne tipper truck from the Epe end rammed from behind into a stationed 30-tonne gas truck that failed to pull over from the highway.

“The resultant effects culminated in fire spreading to three adjoining warehouses and 10 roadside shops, including a gym and generator house, before the fire was put out, saving a Total Petrol Filling Station, its fully loaded 33,000-litre PMS tanker, and a host of properties,” the statement read.

The agency added that after the fire was extinguished, three Sienna buses, one Toyota Corolla, and a forklift were recovered from the affected area.

It also disclosed that the tipper driver and his assistant, both male adults, were burnt beyond recognition, while the gas truck driver escaped unhurt.

Efforts are ongoing to evacuate the wreckage of both trucks, as normalcy gradually returns to the scene.