A total of nine bodies have so far been recovered and 54 cars burnt at Otedola Bridge, Lagos tanker fire which occurred at 5.30 pm yesterday.
The 54 cars burnt includes: 45 cars, five buses, two trucks, one tanker and one tricycle
The patrol laden tanker crashed, exploded and went in flame burning the 54 cars and commercial vehicles following it behind leading to the death of none persons
Emergency management workers led by Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency(LASTMA) and Lagos State Ambulance Service,were said to have been mobilised to the scene to rescue commuters trapped in the accident.
The General Manager, LASEMA, Adeshina Tiamiyu, stated that firefighters from the state had put out the fire, adding that some cars were burnt while trying to dodge the inferno.
According to him, “The accident happened at about 5.25pm and involved a tanker laden with petrol. The tanker fell and spilled its content, causing fire which burnt 54 vehicles. The vehicles, which were of different models, were trapped behind the truck.
“Some motorists, who turned to run away, crashed into other vehicles. Some jumped out and others fell into the gutter in the course of running away. We found dead bodies on the ground and in the gutter. Some of the people who died in the gutter had probably been caught by the fire and jumped into the gutter to put it out.
“Nine dead bodies have been recovered and four were injured. Two were seriously injured, while two sustained minor injuries. The injured have been taken to a hospital, while the bodies have been taken by SEHMU to the mainland hospital mortuary. We are currently making efforts to remove the burnt vehicles from the road.”
Also speaking, the Lagos State Sector Commander, FRSC, Hygenus Omege, also confirmed that 54 cars were burnt by the tanker fire.
In his words, “It is clear that the driver lost control of the tanker. We heard the tanker suffered brake failure. We have counted 54 burnt vehicles. Four people, who were rescued, are in the emergency unit and about nine bodies have been recovered.”
He added that 45 cars, five busses, two trucks, one tanker, and one tricycle were burnt.
