PROPERTIES worth millions of naira have been ruined, and two persons were burnt beyond recognition as a gas tanker and a tipper truck collided on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, resulting in a massive explosion on Saturday.
A statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the Controller General, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, noted that the accident occurred at 02:36 wee hours of the day.
The incident saw Lekki Phase II, Oniru, and Epe II Fire Stations of the Agency rush to the scene after it was reported that an oncoming speeding 20-tonne tipper truck from Epe end, rammed from behind into a stationary 30-tonne gas truck that failed to pull over from the highway.
It led to a fire spreading to three adjoining warehouses and 10 roadside shops, including a gym and generator house, before it was eventually put out.
A Total Petrol Filling Station with a 33,000-liter PMS tanker and a host of properties in the area was saved from the fire.
Although the Fire Service said the incident was later brought under control, it added that three Sienna buses, one Toyota Corolla car, and a forklift parked within the aforementioned properties were recovered.
The tipper driver and his assistant, both male adults, were also recovered, burnt beyond recognition, while the gas truck driver was reported to have escaped unhurt.
Efforts are ongoing to evacuate the remains of both trucks on the road, as normalcy has returned to the scene of the accident.
The Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, in a statement, said one life was lost, while two others sustained injuries at the Ologuro Bus Stop, Sango-Tedo incident.
“Upon the arrival of our Shark Team at the scene, it was discovered that a tipper truck with an unidentified registration number had rammed into a gas tanker from behind, resulting in a fire outbreak.
“From preliminary investigations conducted at the scene, it was determined that the immediate cause of the incident was the driver of the tipper truck’s overspeeding and reckless driving.
“Regrettably, the driver of the tipper truck, an adult male, died as a result of the impact. Two adult females sustained minor injuries and were promptly administered first aid by officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Services.
“It was also observed that the resulting fire engulfed four roadside shops, causing significant damage. The tanker’s contents remain trapped within the vehicle, and recovery operations are currently ongoing.
“Our Shark Team, in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and LASAMBUS officials, responded swiftly and successfully curtailed the spread of the fire, preventing it from escalating to adjoining buildings, the statement said in part.
LASEMA added that the fire has now been brought under control, while recovery operations continue.