Residents panic as petrol tanker explodes in Egbeda, Lagos

A tanker conveying 45,000 litres of petrol on Tuesday morning crashed and exploded at Banire/Ejigbadero bus stop in Egbeda.

Ibrahim Farinloye, acting Zonal Coordinator, South-West Zonal Office, NEMA, confirmed the incident in Lagos.

Mr Farinloye said NEMA received an alert at 12.20 a.m. that the tanker that was said to have loaded at Abule Ado in Amuwo Odofin local government area had exploded, causing panic among residents area.

“No life was lost or property destroyed,” said Mr Farinloye. “However, the tanker with no registration number is still half-filled with PMS and across the major highway.

He added, “The Police Disaster Management Unit and Gowon Estate Police Station have apprehended the driver of the truck and his motor boy (assistant).”

Mr Farinloye further stated that efforts were ongoing to decant and transfer the content to another tanker before the authorities could open the road for traffic.

He, therefore, advised motorists to use alternate routes from the Banire roundabout to Egbeda roundabout.

Mr Farinloye added that NEMA and other agencies, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Response Unit and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, were on the ground to ensure safety and free traffic flow.

(NAN)