Panic as fuel tanker explodes in Egbeda Lagos

A tanker loaded with 45,000 litres of fuel has exploded at Egbeda in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, causing panic among residents of the area.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, attracted rescue agencies who battled with good Samaritans to contain the fire.

Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the fuel tanker exploded around 1.18am.

He also confirmed that the tanker was loaded with diesel when it exploded in the night.

According to him, the incident occurred at Banire Bus Stop, Egbeda inward Ikotun.

He said, “Investigation conducted by the team upon arrival at the scene revealed a fully-loaded tanker with diesel had a break failure, lost control and fell off the road leading to an explosion and fire outburst.

“However, no casualties recorded nor any property razed in the unfortunate inferno.

“The fire has been successfully subdued by men of the LASEMA LRU Fire service and LASG Fire service while dampening down is ongoing,” he said.

Acting Zonal Coordinator, South-West Zonal Office, National Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Farinloye, also confirmed the incident.

Farinloye said NEMA received an alert after midnight that the tanker that loaded at Abule Ado in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area had exploded, causing panic among residents.

“No life was lost or property destroyed,” said Mr Farinloye. “However, the tanker with no registration number is still half-filled with PMS and across the major highway.

He added, “The Police Disaster Management Unit and Gowon Estate Police Station have apprehended the driver of the truck and his motor boy (assistant).”

He advised motorists to use alternate routes from the Banire roundabout to Egbeda roundabout.