16 burnt to death as vehicle conveying gas cylinders explodes on Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway

At least 16 persons were burnt to death in a vehicle explosion at the Buhari Estate axis on the Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway.

Florence Okpe, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) spokesperson in Ogun state, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 1 pm on Tuesday after a Mazda bus conveying gas cylinders exploded.

Okpe noted that three people out of the 21 passengers involved in the accident sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

“The genders of the victims could not be ascertained at the scene because they were burnt beyond recognition,” Okpe said.

“A total of 16 people were killed in the crash while three sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“The sector commander, Akinwumi Fasakin, quickly moved to the crash scene with his team for a rescue operation, but he was not pleased with the occurrence. The driver should have objected to carrying a cylinder filled with gas.”

DAPO ABIODUN COMMISERATES WITH FAMILIES OF VICTIMS

Reacting to the incident, Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, in a statement warned commercial vehicle operators within the state to refrain from transporting flammable materials in their vehicles to ensure the safety of passengers.

Abiodun, who commiserated with the families of the deceased and injured, called on the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Roads Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to educate their members on the dangers of transporting hazardous materials.

“As we grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is essential for all stakeholders—drivers, unions, and regulatory bodies—to work collaboratively towards ensuring that such incidents do not recur,” the statement reads.

“The safety of passengers must remain paramount and all necessary measures should be taken to protect lives on the roads.

“Only through collective efforts and a commitment to best practices can the state hope to minimize the risks associated with the transportation of dangerous goods.”