One person was confirmed dead and property worth millions of naira destroyed following a tanker explosion on Saturday around the Toll Gate axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ibadan, near Lead City University.
The Guardian learnt that several cars, motorcycles, computer sets, and other valuables were burnt in the fire, leaving many business and shop owners devastated.
The explosion occurred at about 2:45 p.m. when a tanker carrying premium motor spirit suddenly went up in flames.
Witnesses said vehicles parked along the road and shops close to the scene were consumed by the fire. One of the affected shops reportedly contained computer equipment worth several millions of naira.
A source disclosed that the driver of the ill-fated truck and his assistant narrowly escaped death.
Confirming the incident yesterday, the General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr Yemi Akinyinka, said one casualty was recorded. He added that firefighters from the state and federal fire services were promptly deployed to the scene to contain the blaze.
A shop owner who lost her entire stock to the inferno recounted her experience. “I just heard a bang from outside. Initially, I mistook it for a gunshot. “
Before I realised what was happening, the atmosphere had been enveloped with thick smoke.
“Calls were put through to the Fire Services. But before they arrived, the deed had been done. I have lost everything to the inferno. I don’t know where to start again,” she lamented.
