Gas tanker explosion claims one life in Abeokuta, as Abiodun sympathises with victims
By Adeyanju Esther and Omobolaji Adekunle
Tragedy struck in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State, on Saturday as a gas tanker explosion rocked the Ita-Oshin area along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, resulting in one fatality and injuries to two individuals.
According to Florence Okpe, the spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), Ogun Sector Command, the incident occurred around 4:10 pm. The explosion involved six male adults, with one person identified as the motor boy, losing his life in the incident and two individuals sustaining injuries.
The collision involved five vehicles, including two Nissan cars with registration numbers AAN 544 YC and LSD 993 CY, a Sino tanker marked T23771 LA, a Micra marked GDB 841 XR, and a Honda CRV without a registration number.
Initial investigations revealed that the tanker had brake failure, causing it to lose control and crash into a road barricade before erupting into flames. The intense fire engulfed nearby vehicles and shops, exacerbating the scale of the incident.
Prompt response from the fire service helped contain the blaze and prevented further escalation. The deceased was later transferred to the State General Hospital morgue in Abeokuta, while the injured victims received medical attention from their families.
It was gathered that four parked vehicles were burnt to ashes. The inferno also affected five shops, with one completely burnt.
Four trucks from the Federal and the Ogun State Fire Services were on the ground to put out the inferno.
FRSC operatives remained on the scene to manage the traffic situation, ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the aftermath of the tragic explosion.
…Abiodun sympathises with victims of Abeokuta gas explosion, calls for calm
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed sympathy for the victims of a gas explosion at the Ita-Oshin area of Abeokuta, the state capital on Saturday evening.
Governor Abiodun, in a statement on Saturday night, regretted the loss of life in the inferno and the attendant destruction of properties.
He, however, called for calm, assuring that everything was being done to put the situation under control.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic gas explosion that occurred in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Saturday, which led to the loss of an innocent life and destruction of properties. This is a devastating incident that has brought pain and anguish to many families.
“On behalf of the government and people of Ogun State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the lone victim of this tragic incident. My prayers are with them during this difficult time.
“I also wish to express my sympathy to those who suffered damage to their businesses.”
The governor praised the quick intervention of relevant agencies of government and first responders, which brought the situation under control.
Governor Abiodun noted that relevant authorities have been mandated to ascertain the cause of the explosion and ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to prevent a recurrence.
