Two die as tanker explosion rocks Apapa-Oshodi expressway

Kazeem Ugbodaga

Two people have been confirmed dead as a tanker conveying petroleum product exploded at Cele area on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

The fuel tanker had collided with a truck which led to the explosion around 5:00pm. A loud explosion was heard in the area as balls of fire envelop the atmosphere.

There was pandemonium at Cele area as people ran in different direction to avert death. Traffic gridlock has built on both sides of the expressway.

Commercial buses have begun to take alternative routes to beat the traffic gridlock which has extended to Iyana Isolo inward Cele on the expressway.

General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Michael Akindele confirmed that two people had died as a result of the explosion, saying that effort was on to combat the fire.

Spokesperson, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye said the tanker was conveying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, when it exploded.

Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe said six fire trucks had been mobilized to combat the fire.

Fadipe, however, said the fire was put out around 7:40pm. Several shops were said to have been burnt in the area.