At least fifteen persons have been feared dead with several others injured in a tragic fuel tanker explosion that happened on Wednesday, along the Owode-Idiroko border road, near Ajilete area of Ogun State.
The incident which occurred around 8:15 am was due to a sudden detachment of the 33,000-fuel laden tank from its body.
The loaded tank was said to have suddenly detached from its main body while descending the steep portion of the Owode-Idiroko road, close to a place called Odo Seje, leading to a sudden explosion as the fire quickly spread.
Confirming the incident, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Commander, Idiroko Unit, Akinwunmi Olaluwoye, stated that only five deaths were recorded in the tanker explosion.
Olaluwoye also confirmed that two other people sustained serious injuries, adding that there have been taken to the hospital to receive medical attention.
Explaining the incident, Olaluwoye stated the accident occurred at about 8:15am, adding that a bus and a motorcycle were also caught in a web of the explosion and razed.
In his words, “No vehicle rammed into the tanker. The tank dropped off from the back of the tanker and exploded. The number of persons involved are seven – five dead, two injured.
“The driver had taken away the head of the truck as at the time we got there. But we have allowed to police to take charge and handle that aspect.”
Meanwhile, an eyewitness told The New Diplomat that about 15 persons lost their lives in the deadly explosion, adding that the incident was underreported.
According to the eyewitness, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the loaded tank of the vehicle got detached from its tractor while descending the steep slope. Several motorcycles and a commercial vehicle trailing the ill-fated petrol tanker at the moment the incident occurred were said to have rammed into the detached tank which was already spilling its content.
The eyewitness also said some of the people that died in the tanker explosion were burnt beyond recognition, while several others sustained varying degree of injuries.
