Two persons, on Tuesday night, were reportedly burnt to death while several others were injured at the scene of a tanker explosion that occurred around the Cele/Itire Link Bridge in the Lagos metropolis.
The explosion reportedly occurred around 11pm when the driver of the tanker was trying to ascend the bridge.
Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, confirmed the incident and the deaths through a statement on Saturday.
Reports about the incident quoted traders in the area s saying that the driver lost control of the fully loaded truck, and crashed it spilling its contents on the road.
The resultant effect of the accident was a very loud explosion, which created serious panic and confusion around Ijeshatedo, Cele, and the neighbourhood.
Mrs. Adeseye, in the statement, said: “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service responded swiftly to a distress call late Friday night, extinguishing a fierce blaze resulting from a tanker accident at the Ijesha end of the Cele link-bridge in Surulere, Lagos.”
She added: “At approximately 23:12, emergency services were alerted to a tanker truck carrying 33,000 litres of petrol, losing control while navigating the roundabout to ascend the bridge.
“The subsequent spillage ignited into a large fire, engulfing the surrounding area. Prompt action by the Isolo and Bolade Fire Stations of the agency, contained the inferno, preventing further escalation.”
The fire service boss confirmed thus: “Regrettably, two male individuals were discovered dead.”
She also stated: “Their bodies tragically burned beyond recognition were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, overseeing the necessary procedures.”
According to Adeseye: “The Lagos State Ambulance Service also provided vital assistance throughout the operation.”
