Two people have tragically lost their lives following
a diesel tanker explosion along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA)
confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the incident occurred at the
Oto-Ijanikin axis near Lagos State University of Education. Preliminary
investigations indicate that the tanker, carrying diesel, lost control while
attempting to overtake another vehicle, causing it to crash and ignite.
“Excessive speed appears to have precipitated this
unfortunate incident,” said LASTMA Director of Public Affairs, Adebayo Taofiq.
“The vehicle crashed and erupted into a raging inferno, tragically claiming the
lives of the driver and an adult female occupant.”
LASTMA personnel promptly secured the scene to prevent
secondary accidents and alerted the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Ijanikin Police Division for emergency
response and security reinforcement. Officers also prevented bystanders from
collecting spilled diesel—a hazardous act that could have caused further
explosions.
Following the fire being extinguished, the burnt
tanker was evacuated to clear the roadway, and the victims’ remains were
retrieved by the FRSC.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described
the incident as “deeply painful and entirely avoidable,” offering condolences
to the victims’ families. He urged drivers, particularly tanker operators, to
adhere strictly to traffic regulations and speed limits while warning the
public against collecting spilled petroleum products from accident sites.
“The Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to
public safety and the sanctity of human life,” Bakare-Oki added.
Comments:
Leave a Reply