13 people have been reported dead on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, while some were burnt beyond recognition on Tuesday. According to local media reports, some of the victims were scooping fuel from a truck that belongs to Total petroleum, PLC, that had fallen on the road after it tried to avoid cows that had strayed onto the highway.
When the petrol avoided the cows, it fell onto the highway, and the fuel it was taking with it spilled onto the road, while some spilled into a nearby gutter. Seeing the scene, the herdsmen fled the scene of the accident as local residents wanted to mob them for their non-challant attitude allowing cows to stray onto the road.
Four of the cows were reported to have died in the accident. The policemen at the redemption camp called Toal petroleum to send another truck to help lift the remaining fuel in the tanker of the truck, and also helped remove the cows from the road.
A new truck arrived at the scene at 11pm and was able to transfer the fuel from the tanker, and the fallen tanker was towed away from the scene.
But when the tanker left, local residents trooped out of the houses to scoop fuel that was left in the gutter, but unfortunately, another careless driver with a busted tyre was driving on the expressway with just its rim,and when it got to the scene of the accident, it ignited a fire and engulfed the area.
The fire widespread, and caught the 18-seater bus behind it, two Hilux vans, a Dangote and fire service truck.
The occupants of the vehicle were trapped, and could not get out of the vehicle, burning them without face recognition.
A fire service man was injured and was quickly rushed to a nearby a private health facility in the area, Temitope Clinic.
Muyiwa Adejobi, Police Public Relations Officer, said that;
The road was soaked with fuel after the tanker fell. The police and the fire service men were trying to neutralise the power of the petrol when fire broke out. The fire service truck, which was on duty, was the first to be burnt.
No fewer than 13 people were burnt beyond recognition. About five vehicles were also burnt. We urge those whose relatives are missing to come forward for possible identification because for now we cannot recognize anybody.
Corps, Ibafo, K.A. Ojerinde, Head of Operations, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement said;
About five cars were burnt and some people feared dead. We have moved the affected vehicles from the expressway. Three of the fire service men sustained injuries. They have been transferred to OOUTH for treatment.