Tanker explodes in Lagos as hoodlums attack firefighters

A fuel-laden tanker has exploded at the Kara axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday leaving many motorists trapped on the ever-busy expressway.

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Sources said the fire has been burning since 1 a.m without the emergency responders and firefighters in sight to save the situation.

The state emergency management agency (LASEMA) and Lagos Fire, it was learnt, were mobilized to the venue but they were allegedly waylaid by some hoodlums.

Director-General of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyitolu confirmed the attack on the responders, saying the operation was suspended for the safety of his men.

He said, “The agency responded to the incident at 0105hrs this morning according to the stipulated emergency response plan.”

According to him, the team was attacked by some hoodlums brandishing dangerous weapons and was forced to seek extra police cover from the Isheri Police Station.

He said, “The operation commenced with the police protection until the group of assailants grew larger and caused significant damage to vehicles and threats to life of our personnel.

“The team has been forced to suspend the Recovery operation for safety reasons.

“It is of note that this attack is part of a very worrisome trend of first responders being attacked in the course of their duties.

“Lagosians are urged to refrain from endangering the lives of emergency responders and allow to carry out their lifesaving duties.”

Daily Trust reports that the incident has caused heavy gridlock from Berger inwards Ojota as the wreckage of the burning fire is yet to be cleared.

2 dead, 29 vehicles burnt 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed two people were burnt beyond recognition in the early morning petrol tanker explosion at the Kara end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway outward Lagos.

29 vehicles parked by the roadside were also burnt completely in the accident which occurred around 1 a.m.

The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi described the incident as unfortunate but avoidable.

Oyeyemi however stated that frantic efforts are in place to put an end to frequent tanker explosions.

In a statement by Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, the Corps Marshal giving a report of the incident stated that the fatal road traffic crash involved a single Tanker fully ladened with PMS.

According to him, the crash investigation carried out by a team of FRSC personnel deployed for rescue operations, revealed that the driver lost control of the wheels as a result of mechanical deficiency (tyre blow out) making the tanker to fall on the expressway amidst a wild inferno.

He stated that from the crash investigation report submitted, a total of two male adults were killed and burnt beyond recognition, while a wanton destruction of properties occasioned by the fire also left 29 vehicles parked by the road side burnt down completely.

Oyeyemi also decried the actions of hoodlums who prevented the combined rescue teams of the Federal Fire Service and FRSC from approaching the scene of the crash.

He said, “When our personnel got to the scene, they met teams of Lagos State Fire Service who advised our men against approaching the scene of the crash.

“The fire fighters said they were equally deployed to the scene for same reason but on arrival, they were chased back by some hoodlums, carrying dangerous weapons.”

Both teams had to run to the Isheri Division of Nigeria Police for security cover.

The Corps Marshal also maintained that the Corps is seriously engaging critical stakeholders and making frantic efforts to find lasting solution to tanker explosions on the road.

He called on the Governments at all levels to expedite action towards working out modalities that will support and hasten existing efforts towards fleet renewal as most of the articulated vehicles are aged while efforts are on to enforce compulsory use of safety valves to prevent spillage after falls of tankers.

He, however, stated that the crashed vehicles have been successfully removed from the road and all obstructions cleared with the road now opened to use.

“As such, road users already on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway or intending users who have not explored alternative roads should please exercise caution and drive safe; avoid speeding, road rage and ultimately, avoid driving against the flow of traffic.

FRSC wishes us safe journey to our various destinations,” the Corps Marshal was quoted in the statement.