TheNewsGuru

Tag: Tanker Explosion

  • JUST IN: Another tanker explosion rocks Lagos [VIDEO]

    JUST IN: Another tanker explosion rocks Lagos [VIDEO]

    A diesel-laden tanker has exploded at Egbeda, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria in the early hours of Tuesday.

     

    Balls of fire envelop the atmosphere in the dead of the night as emergency responders battled to put out the fire.

    Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA,disclosed that the tanker exploded around 1:18am.

    He said emergency responders were currently battling to put out the fire.

    Oke-Osanyintolu said the tanker was loaded with diesel when it exploded in the dead of the night, but he could not tell whether the fire razed buildings around.

    According to him, the incident occurred at Banire Bus Stop, Egbeda inward Ikotun.

    “Investigation conducted by the Team upon arrival at the scene revealed a fully loaded tanker with diesel had a break failure, lost control and fell off the road leading to an explosion and fire outburst.

    “However, no casualties recorded nor any properties razed in the unfortunate inferno.

    “The fire has been successfully subdued by me of the LASEMA LRU Fire service and LASG Fire service while dampening down is ongoing,” he said.

     

  • Seven die, 50 houses destroyed in Benue tanker explosion

    Seven die, 50 houses destroyed in Benue tanker explosion

    Seven persons have been confirmed dead following a tanker explosion in Oshigbudu, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

    The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Emmanuel Shior confirmed development on Sunday in Makurdi, the state capital.

    He said about 50 houses were destroyed from the information he got the local government chairman, adding that a detailed assessment would be carried out today when he visits the scene of the explosion.

    Shior conveyed the condolences of the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom who he said, has directed for a comprehensive audit of the fire incident and report back.

    He also commiserated with those who lost their loved ones and properties to the fire.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports and an indigene of the area, Ojotu Ojeme, had confirmed the incident via his Facebook post.

    He also commiserated with the victims of the explosion, calling on the government at all levels and spirited individuals to help residents of the area.

    “The fire inferno at Oshugbudu in Agatu local Government, my local government of origin today, 18-04-2021 which has claimed so many lives and destroyed properties yet to be quantified, is the Chief of all the calamities that have fallen us this year,” he said.

    “As I pray God to comfort the good people of Agatu and most especially those directly involved, over the lost, I wish to call on Government at all levels and spirited individuals to come to our aids in order to drastically reduce the effect of the disaster on the people. Once again may God grant us the fortitude to bear the huge loss.”

  • Tanker explosion: Fashola assesses damages, gives traders along Airport Road Flyover two weeks to vacate

    Tanker explosion: Fashola assesses damages, gives traders along Airport Road Flyover two weeks to vacate

    The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola on Thursday gave artisans plying their trade along the burnt section of the Lagos Airport Road flyover two weeks to vacate the area.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the Flyover which spans the Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway project being reconstructed, was engulfed by fire when a petrol tanker burst into flames on Jan. 7.

    Following the incident the Federal government immediately shut the bridge and on Jan. 8 warned the public to stay off the Airport Road Flyover pending the determination of its structural safety.

    Fashola during inspection of the bridge examined the walls of the burnt piers before going round to educate the traders on the dangers of carrying out commercial activities in the vicinity thereby, damaging road infrastructure.

    He told the traders that street trading jeopardised both their safety and that of the road and gave the traders and artisans two weeks to vacate the area around the flyover.

    He advised them to relocate to the Matori Industrial Estate in Ladipo purposely built by the Jakande government for commercial activities.

    “This is not a market, you don’t do business on the road, I am giving you two weeks to vacate this place,” he said.

    Fashola told journalists that “two weeks was reasonable time for trespassers” to vacate the highway.

    He added that work would soon commence on the service lanes of the Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki rehabilitation/reconstruction project where 20 kilometers of work had been completed.

    Speaking on the fire that engulfed the bridge, Fashola said that integrity test carried out on the bridge showed the level of damages to both the bridge deck and its pier.

    He explained that efforts were in place to repair the bridge to make it safe again for use.

    “That Airport Road Flyover will not be available for some time,” he said.

    He said that he had directed the FRSC to carry out investigation and provide information on cause of accident and owner of the vehicle, adding that, they will face sanctions if found guilty.

    He added that measures were in place to work with the office of the Attorney General of the Federation on prosecution of reckless articulated vehicle drivers causing avoidable accidents and fires destroying roads and bridges in Lagos State.

    Fashola also said that the Federal Government was going to liaise with the Lagos State Government on training and retraining of drivers towards attitude change.

    He added that road signages would be increased on Lagos highways stating that preliminary investigations by experts revealed that the articulated vehicles accidents and fires were caused by speeding.

    He listed bridges recently destroyed by fire in Lagos to include the Kara, Otedola and Obalende bridges.

    Earlier, the Director, Bridges and Designs, Mr Emmanuel Adeoye, while making his presentation told the minister that a Pier on the burnt Airport Road Flyover was “badly affected by the fire”

    Also, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Okukayode Popoola explained traffic diversion arrangements on ground through Oshodi for those hurrying to catch flights at the airport.

    The minister was accompanied on the trip by the Lagos Sector Commander of the Federal Roads Safety Corps, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide and law enforcement agencies who received directives on traffic and security around the flyover.

  • Six killed, 30 buildings burnt as tanker explosion rocks Kwara

    Six killed, 30 buildings burnt as tanker explosion rocks Kwara

    At least six persons have been killed and 30 buildings burnt following a fire incident involving a petrol tanker in Jebba, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    The incident occurred on Wednesday when a petrol tanker travelling through the ancient town lost control and spilled its contents as it rammed into residential buildings.

    The accident resulted in an explosion that burnt down at least 30 houses and shops, killing up to six persons.

    The State Fire Service in a swift response however brought the fire under control.

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in a statement signed by his Chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye has commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and properties in the fire incident.

    He described the development as devastating and sad.

  • UPDATED: 11 injured in Lagos tanker explosion

    UPDATED: 11 injured in Lagos tanker explosion

    No fewer than 11 people sustained injuries when a tanker, loaded with diesel, exploded on the Otedola bridge on Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Saturday in Lagos.

    Olusegun Ogungbemide, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state, confirmed the number of injured people in a statement Saturday evening.

    Ogungbemide said that the explosion occurred when the tanker rolled back and collided with another Articulated truck carrying goods and a salon car.

    “The impact of the collision resulted in the explosion.

    “About 11 passengers involved in the crash but no death was recorded.

    “The rescue teams of FRSC, Lagos Fire Service and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) are quickly mobilised to the scene for the rescue operation.

    “The rescue team of Lagos Fire service are making frantic effort to extinguish the fire while FRSC and other traffic, the management team are on the ground controlling traffic flow,’’ the commander stated.

    He advised drivers and owners of articulated vehicles to put their vehicles in proper shape and maintain minimum safety standard.

    The commander also implored the public to be more vigilant while using the road, especially during this festive period.

  • Twin tanker explosion rocks Lagos State

    Twin tanker explosion rocks Lagos State

    Two tanker fires on Wednesday rocked the commercial capital of Lagos State, leaving many people stranded, especially on the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    One is the tanker explosions that occurred at Wawa on the Lagos Ibadan expressway, causing traffic up to the popular Otedola bridge.

    Efforts were ongoing to extinguish the fire at the time of filing this report. Men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) are on ground to manage the traffic situation.

    This followed another early morning tanker fire on the same Lagos-Ibadan expressway, causing gridlock on the ever-busy road.

    It was gathered that the accident occurred on the Magboro Bridge around 4:15 a.m., bringing traffic to a halt.

    It was however not clear if there were casualties in the inferno which officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), police and firefighters have been battling to contain.

    In a caution notice by the FRSC, motorists were urged to re-plan their trips or brace up for delays.

    “The Federal Road Safety Corps wishes to advise the general public on the need for adequate planning of their trips for today for users of the Lagos-Ibadan Corridor.

    “The tanker explosion on Magboro bridge on the outward Lagos section of the expressway which occurred at about 0415hrs in the early hours of the day, Wednesday 2nd December, 2020 has called for the need to adjust ones movement for the day.

    “The fire is still burning and this means a total standstill situation of vehicular movement along the expressway.

    “Relentless efforts are still being made to extinguish the fire by men of Fire Service backed up by men of other agencies around the scene of the inferno.

    “We therefore advise the general public to have an adequate planning for their trips for those who cannot cancel their planned journeys. We also advise that travellers who are bound to transit in and out of Lagos from the neighbouring state to explore alternative routes where necessary.

    “All hands on deck to ensure that the situation is professionally managed and the road returned to proper use for the public,” said Corridor Commander, Kehinde Hamzat.

  • Kogi Govt declares two-day mourning for victims of tanker explosion

    Kogi Govt declares two-day mourning for victims of tanker explosion

    Kogi Government has declared a two-day mourning as a mark of respect for the 23 victims of Wednesday’s tanker explosion in Felele, Lokoja.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo in Lokoja on Thursday.

    Fanwo urged residents of the state to use the period for a sober reflection as well as pray for the victims and their relations, adding that Gov. Yahaya Bello was deeply touched by the incident.

    He said that government action underscored the importance it placed on lives and property of residents.

    ” In this time of grief, we urge the people to be deep in sober reflection and stand together for one another to pull out of the agonising loss,” Fanwo said.

    He urged road users to always act responsibly to avoid accidents, while reaffirming government commitment towards the safety and well-being of the people.

    Fanwo said government will carry out full investigations into the accident to determine the immediate and remote causes.

    ” The Kogi government wishes to assure families that lost loved ones and those whose houses were affected of support at this trying moment.

    “We also call on relevant federal agencies to provide relief materials to support what the state government shall be providing.

    “Our hearts are with the affected families. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Petrol tanker explodes on fuel scoopers in Delta

    BREAKING: Petrol tanker explodes on fuel scoopers in Delta

    A tanker conveying petroleum product fell and exploded on Wednesday along the ever-busy Benin/Sapele Expressway, leaving a number of persons burnt to death.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the incident occurred at about 11 am around Koko junction, close to the boundary between Delta and Edo States.

    According to an eyewitness, the petrol tanker fell, and a number of persons quickly rushed to the scene to start scooping fuel when the explosion occurred.

    The eyewitness told TNG that the victims of the tanker explosion were burnt beyond recognition and that the explosion affected no fewer than 5 vehicles that were gutted by fire.

    A source told TNG that officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had since evacuated the dead bodies and that survivors have been taken to an undisclosed hospital.

    “From Sapele to Benin, the road is just too bad, before and after the Oghara bridge is terrible, from Koko junction to Ologbo, the road is disastrous. That is why tankers and big vehicles keep falling.

    “We have been complaining about the bad potholes on that road for a very long time. If that road was in good condition, the tanker wouldn’t have fell,” the source told TNG.

    Meanwhile, FRSC Delta Sector Commander, Corps Commander Godwin A. H. has officially addressed the incident and confirmed the number of persons affected in the explosion.

    According to the FRSC Sector Commander, the petrol tanker caught fire and exploded when a motorcycle got very close to the fallen tanker.

    He confirmed that 3 persons died instantly when the explosion occurred and that 3 others sustained severe injuries. He, however, said only 4 vehicles were affected by the explosion.

    “Yes, a petrol tanker had an accident and fell down along that axis and the local populace were scooping fuel from the tanker before it caught fire when one motorcycle got very close to them and when that motorcycle caught fire, the tanker caught fire.

    “But it has been put off. The fire has been put off by men of the fire service. The obstruction has been moved away from the road. Six people were involved. Three lost their lives and three sustained injuries. That is the casualties. Four vehicles were affected: the tanker, two other vehicles and then the motorcycle,” the Delta Sector Commander told TNG.

  • SAD: 1 burnt beyond recognition, 2 injured in Lagos tanker explosion

    SAD: 1 burnt beyond recognition, 2 injured in Lagos tanker explosion

    Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says rescue operations have so far recovered a body burnt beyond recognition at the scene of Sunday’s explosion, involving four vehicles along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    The rescue operations were still ongoing at the scene of the accident involving three tankers and a truck.

    Providing update at 9:00 a.m., Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, FRSC Lagos State Sector Commander, said that two injured persons have been moved to the hospital.

    “The inferno as a result of the explosion is almost getting to an end. The fire services are still here from Lagos and Ogun states.

    “So far, we have been able to move two casualties to the General Hospital Gbagada. One was burnt beyond recognition.

    “The accident involved three tankers and one truck. Two of the tankers carrying petrol, another carrying gas and an articulated truck,” he said.

    On the possible cause of the accident, Ogungbemide, who noted that investigation was still ongoing, said that observations revealed that one of the tankers lost control and rammed into others which resulted in the explosion.

    “It was a loss of control. One of the tankers that rammed into other vehicles either had break failure or got distracted. Investigation is still on, we can’t just be accurate now,” he said.

    FRSC had earlier announced diversion of traffic on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, following the explosion to avert a chaotic traffic situation on the busiest highway.

  • Mother, daughter, three others burnt as tanker explodes in Ogun

    A woman, her daughter and a vulcaniser suffered varying degrees of burns after a petrol-laden tanker fell and exploded at Atatun, Ijaiye-Tutun, in Abeokuta on Friday evening.

    According to an eyewitness, the victims were immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.

    No fewer than five houses and several shops were burnt in the incident.

    An eye witness, who simply identified herself as Mrs Olufote, told newsmen that the incident happened when a fuel tanker suffered a flat tyre.

    She said the driver had parked beside the road to fix the flat tyre unaware that he was parking on a sloppy area.

    The eyewitness added that as he was alighting the vehicle to negotiate with a vulcaniser beside the road, the tanker tilted and the container fell.

    ” The tanker had a flat tyre and in the process of trying to fix it, the tanker exploded and even the vulcaniser who was to work on the tyre was affected.

    “The vulcaniser was fixing a motorcycle tyre when the tanker exploded.

    “There were many houses that were affected, with some burnt to ashes. In fact, a mosque was also affected,” she said.

    Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Public Relations Officer of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), confirmed the incident on Saturday.

    Akinbiyi said the fire was later put out after some houses had been burnt.

    The TRACE spokesman stated that the tanker driver erroneously parked in a sloppy area while trying to fix his tanker’s tyre.

    According to him, the container removed from the hook, fell and exploded.

    He said the fire was put out on Friday night.