- Several persons injured, properties destroyed
Two persons burnt beyond recognition and properties worth millions of Naira ravaged as a gas tanker and a tipper truck collided on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, resulting in a massive explosion on Saturday.
The Controller General, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said the accident occurred at 02:36am wee hours of the day.
The incident saw Lekki Phase II, Oniru, and Epe II Fire Stations of the agency rush to the scene after it was reported that an oncoming speeding 20-tonne tipper truck from Epe end, rammed from behind into a stationary 30-tonne gas truck that failed to pull over from the highway.
It led to a fire spreading to three adjoining warehouses and 10 roadside shops, including a gym and generator house, before it was eventually put out.
A Total Petrol Filling Station with a 33,000-liter PMS tanker and a host of properties in the area was saved from the fire.
Similarly in Calabar, Cross River State, an explosion occurred at a private petrol and gas filling station on Edibe Edibe Street, leaving several residents injured and properties destroyed.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday completely razed the facility identified as Fonex Gas Station.
Reports said the explosion triggered a massive fire that engulfed key sections of the station, including fuel and gas storage tanks, as well as vehicles within the premises.
The station, located in a densely populated neighbourhood, also affected nearby shops and buildings, forcing residents and business owners to flee for safety.
Several victims sustained varying degrees of injuries. While some were treated at nearby patent medicine stores, others were rushed to hospitals for medical attention.
The incident reportedly created an opportunity for hoodlums to loot goods from affected shops and the destroyed facility.
Residents thronged the scene in large numbers, with some making efforts to contain the fire using sand, water and other improvised materials.
There were conflicting accounts on the cause of the explosion, with some blaming it on a phone call made near the gas dispensing point, while others linked it to possible electrical faults or faulty equipment.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed that officers had been deployed, adding that efforts were ongoing to mobilise fire service personnel, including support from FAAN.
Further details are expected as authorities take control of the situation.
