5 dead, 2 injured in Ogun tanker explosion

5 persons were burnt to death and 2 others gravely injured in a fuel tanker explosion at Ajilete area of the Owode-Idiroko road, Ogun State.

A truck fully laden with 33,000 litres of petroleum product was said to be descending the steep portion of the road when its tank suddenly detached from its body and tumbled to the ground with a bang.

Witnesses said there was an explosion which let out a huge flame that burnt the victims.

The explosion reportedly killed 5 persons on the spot.

2 others were injured – they were all residents of the area where the accident occurred.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Commander, Idiroko Unit, Akinwunmi Olaluwoye, confirmed the accident and said 5 deaths were recorded, adding that the remains of the dead had been claimed by their families.

Olaluwoye said the accident occurred at about 8:15am, adding that a bus and a motorcycle were also caught in a web of the explosion and burnt.

He said: “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.”