By Deji Lambo
Two yet-to-be-identified persons have lost their lives in the raging fire induced by a tanker explosion around the Otedola underbridge, adjacent to CMD Road, Lagos State.
It was gathered that the tanker laden with gas was plying the underbridge to link the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the driver lost control of the vehicle and caused the crash that resulted in the explosion.
As of the time this report was filed, the fire that emanated from the explosion razed four buildings, including a Redeemed Church, a private hospital, 15 vehicles and tricycles, shops and household items, among others.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, while confirming the crash, said the vehicle somersaulted while trying to link the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway through the Otedola Under Bridge area and, in the process, spilled its entire gas content on the road, causing the fire that engulfed the area.
Hundeyin said, “A total of four buildings, 15 burnt vehicles, including tricycles, an unspecified number of shops, and household properties were lost in the inferno.
“The number of human lives that perished is still being quantified, as only two bodies have been recovered. A private hospital was affected, but details of the victims there are still sketchy as of now. More details will follow as the rescue operation is still in progress.”
Also confirming the explosion, the Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Margaret Adeseye, said the fire engulfed buildings, including a Redeemed Church.
Adeseye said, “The 30-ton DAF gas truck with an unknown number plate was on its way, navigating the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway before an accident resulting in an ensuing explosion accompanied by fireballs in front of a Redeemed Church.
“The resultant fire quickly spread to the church and adjoining bungalow building as well as four different brands of vehicles as it is being mitigated from causing further damage.”
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, through its official page on X (formerly Twitter), @followlastma, wrote, “Recovery efforts are ongoing. Due to the incident, there is currently no movement in or out of the Otedola underbridge, resulting in a complete blockade of the area.”
