Again, tanker crash claims 22 vehicles on Lagos-Ibadan way

The tragedy, which occurred few meters away from the earlier accident, led to gridlock on the ever-busy road. No life was, however, lost.   The disaster, it was gathered, struck at about 2:00am when a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) heading towards Ibadan fell by its side while attempting to overtake another vehicle. Soon […]

The tragedy, which occurred few meters away from the earlier accident, led to gridlock on the ever-busy road. No life was, however, lost.

 

The disaster, it was gathered, struck at about 2:00am when a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) heading towards Ibadan fell by its side while attempting to overtake another vehicle.

Soon the truck caught fire with a big explosion! The fire started spreading to other vehicles and passengers scampered for safety.

Before rescue mission came, at least 22 vehicles including trailers, passenger buses and private cars were burnt to ashes.

The Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, who was at the scene of the mishap in the early hours of yesterday lamented the repeated occurrence of such accidents on the crucial road which he said contributes about 70 percent of commercial activities in the country.

He explained that taking drastic steps to check abuse of the road will be counter productive, “but there is urgent need by the local, state and federal governments to do something on the road to reduce these accidents.”

He lamented, “In fact, I’m putting a call to the Hon. Minister to come down and see things for himself.”

The state commander of Traffic Compliance and Enforcement (TRACE), Ayo Sangofadeji escaped with injuries while leading the rescue operations.

He added that only one person was severely injured and was rushed to the OOUTH Sagamu.

Those stranded on the road as a result of the accident include wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajumobi and former Deputy Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Barr. Ayo Edwards-Odugbesan.