By Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
At least, two lives were reportedly lost with 13 vehicles burnt in the early hours of Tuesday when a fuel laden tanker collided with another vehicle and burst into ravaging flames.
The accident which happened around Ogere axis of Lagos/Ibadan expressway led to heavy traffic gridlock bringing untold hardship to the commuters for many hours.
Meanwhile, the Ogun state government has extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and properties to the incident praying the almighty God to console them.
The Ogun state Deputy Governor Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele who led the government delegation to Ogere for on the spot assessment of the incident noted that there was significant loss of property at the site, saying that the government shared in the loss and bitter time of the affected people.
After taking the brief on the happening from the relevant agencies managing the situation, the Deputy governor informed that there had been two casualties from the inferno, which also caused serious gridlock on the road.
According to the Deputy Governor, 13 vehicles were involved in the accident which occurred when a fuel laden tanker collided with another vehicle and burst into flames.
She thanked the officials of relevant agencies, including the FRSC, Police, Fire Service and TRACE who responded promptly to the emergency, thereby helping to limit the tragic loss of lives.
In the meantime, the state government has directed the Permanent secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr Kehinde Onasanya to be the incident commander to work and coordinate all agencies towards ensuring safety of lives and properties and speedy evacuation of trucks to ease movement.
Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele implored motorist to obey traffic and show understanding, promising that the state government will do its best to resolve the gridlock speedily.