File photo: President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tanker explosion in Lagos on Thursday, which affected many cars with many roasted alive.
Many have already been confirmed dead in the incident so far and the President in reaction to the “early reports” reaching him, said he is very sad to learn of the tragic loss of lives, tens of vehicles, property and other valuables in the petrol tanker fire.
“Sadly, this seems to be one of the greatest tragedies we have seen in recent times,” President Buhari said.
The President sent his deepest condolences to the government and people of Lagos on the tragedy.
He also urged the emergency services and law enforcement officials to do their best to limit the losses and damage from the incident.
According to him, the priority now is to save those people who could still be in danger.
Fuel-Laden Tanker Explodes In Lagos, Blaze Engulfs Over 30 Vehicles
A fuel-laden tanker has exploded along the Otedola Bridge axis of Berger in Lagos with the blaze engulfing over 30 other vehicles.
The tanker was heading out of Lagos towards the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the crash occurred, causing panic and fear.
Many people were feared trapped in their cars and killed in the blaze, while many others sustained burns.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Adesina Tiamiyu, confirmed to Channels Television that rescue officials have been able to retrieve nine bodies from the scene of the fire so far.
Eyewitnesses, however, said the death toll might be higher as many people were trapped in their cars with rescue officials still working at the scene.
The fuel-laden tanker lost control, fell over and exploded.
“I saw the tanker reversing and before we could know it, the tanker fell down and started burning,” a witness said a tricycle rider who was close to the tanker.
He added that it took the grace of God for him to escape the fire with his tricycle.
As the fire spread, many drivers had to abandon their vehicles and flee as firefighters tried to battle the raging blaze.
Traffic was stopped on both sides of the road as emergency officials battled to put out the fire and attend to those affected.
Although the fire has been put out by the officials, the road remains closed with rescue officials still working on the scene.
Scene of the explosion. PHOTO credit/Rapid Response Squad Lagos
Scene of the explosion. PHOTO credit/Rapid Response Squad Lagos
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