Lagos-Kara bridge petrol tanker fire claims two lives, 29 vehicles

Two men were burnt beyond recognition while 29 vehicles parked by the road side were consumed in a petrol tanker fire on Kara bridge at the Lagos-Ogun State boundary on Saturday morning.

The explosion which occurred on the outward Lagos lane of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has caused closure of the bridge and total halt of traffic.

The fatal crash involved a petrol-laden tanker, whose driver lost control of the wheels as a result of tyre blow-out, causing it to fall and igniting inferno.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has described as unfortunate but avoidable, the fatal crash.

He said in a statement by Mr Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, that hoodlums had prevented the combined rescue teams of the Federal Fire Service and FRSC from getting to the scene of the crash.

“When our personnel got to the scene, they met teams of Lagos State Fire Service who advised our men against approaching the scene of the crash.

“The fire fighters said they were equally deployed to the scene for same reason but on arrival, they were chased back by some hoodlums, carrying dangerous weapons,” the corps marshall said.

The teams had to run to the Isheri Division of Nigeria Police for security cover, he said.

Oyeyemi also said the Corps was engaging critical stakeholders to find a lasting solution to tanker explosions on the road.

He called on government at all levels to expedite action on working out modalities that will support and hasten existing efforts towards fleet renewal as most of the articulated vehicles are old.

“Efforts are on to enforce compulsory use of safety valves to prevent spillage after falls of tankers.

“On the present state of traffic on the road, the Corps wishes to inform the general public that there is no need for panic as the crashed vehicles have been successfully removed from the road and all obstructions cleared with the road now opened to use.

“As such, road users already on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway or intending users who have not explored alternative roads should please exercise caution and drive safe; avoid speeding, road rage and ultimately, avoid driving against the flow of traffic. FRSC wishes us safe journey to our various destinations,” Oyeyemi said.