Abeokuta, Ogun State – A tragic gas tanker explosion along the Abeokuta-Sango-Lagos Expressway claimed the life of one person, injured six others, and destroyed six vehicles on Saturday. According to Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps spokesperson Florence Okpe, the deceased is believed to be the motorboy of the gas-laden tanker involved in the accident.
The incident occurred around 4:10 pm when the truck reportedly experienced brake failure, leading to a loss of control and a collision with a roadside culvert. Subsequently, the vehicle caught fire, engulfing five cars and two nearby shops. A total of six people, all adult males, were involved in the crash. Two individuals sustained injuries, but tragically, the motorboy trapped in the fire lost his life.
The vehicles affected in the accident included a Nissan, Micra, Sino Truck, and a Honda CRV with no visible registration number. Mechanical deficiency, specifically brake failure, is suspected to be the cause of the crash. The fire quickly spread to other vehicles and shops in the vicinity, intensifying the impact of the incident.
Following the explosion, the fire service was promptly notified, and efforts were made to secure the area to prevent potential further accidents. The deceased was taken to the State General Hospital morgue in Abeokuta, while the injured victims received medical attention from their families.
Fatai Adefala, the Ogun State Director of Fire Service, confirmed the ongoing efforts of fire service personnel to clear the wreckage caused by the burnt tanker. The aftermath of the tragic explosion serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with transportation of hazardous materials, emphasizing the importance of safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.