Three dead, several vehicles burnt as tanker explodes in Ogun

Three persons were confirmed dead on Tuesday, after a vehicle conveying petrol exploded along Kuto road in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The incident reportedly occurred around 8:15am on Tuesday, as the driver tried to negotiate a bend at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) junction, which connects to the newly constructed bridge in the area.

The driver was said to have lost control of the vehicle due to brake failure, and hit a motorcycle operator, after which the tanker rammed into other vehicles, spilling its content.

Ahmed Umar, sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, confirmed the casualties to NAN, adding that five vehicles and two motorcycles were also burnt.

“The cause of the accident is still under investigation. We have to conduct thorough investigation. It was an accident involving a tanker loaded with premium motor spirit. It fell and caught fire, affecting other vehicles. Our men are there with the fire service to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further,’’ Umar was quoted to have said.

Meanwhile, Femi Ogunbanwo, Ogun commissioner for special duties, who was at the scene of the incident, said the state would foot the medical bill of injured persons.

According to the state government, the fire was later brought under control “with the combined efforts of men of the federal and Ogun state fire service, alongside sister agencies”.