2 die as fuel tanker explodes along Apapa-Oshodi expressway

Explosion as a result of fallen fuel tanker along Oshodi-Apapa expressway in Lagos has left two people dead on Monday.

Eye witness said that the fuel tanker ran into a stationary truck which led to the explosion around 5:00pm. A loud explosion was heard in the area as balls of fire envelop the atmosphere. The driver of the truck and a boy were said to have been consumed by the resultant inferno.

The resultant explosion led to pandemonium at Cele area as people ran in different direction to avert death leading to traffic gridlock on both sides of the expressway.

Commercial buses have to take alternative routes to beat the traffic gridlock which extended to Iyana Isolo inward Cele on the expressway.

General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Michael Akindele confirmed that two people had died as a result of the explosion, saying that effort was on to combat the fire.

Spokesperson, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye said the tanker was conveying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, when it exploded.

Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe said six fire trucks had been mobilized to combat the fire.

Fadipe, however, said the fire was put out around 7:40pm. Several shops were said to have been burnt in the area.