Four people have lost their lives, and six vehicles were engulfed in flames following a gas tanker explosion at the Ita-Oshin area of Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The incident occurred at the Ita-Oshin end of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway on Saturday, April 27.
According to reports, the driver of the gas-laden tanker attempted to reduce the impact of the accident by colliding with the road divider.
The resulting explosion caused confusion and panic among motorists and residents in the vicinity.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) swiftly moved to evacuate the remains of the casualties from the accident scene.
Among the vehicles destroyed were taxis, a private car, and a truck, while several shops and houses also suffered damage from the explosion.
While security and safety agents at the scene were unable to provide precise details, an eyewitness, speaking anonymously, mentioned that some casualties had already been transported to the hospital by earlier rescue teams.
Meanwhile, in a similar incident, a tanker explosion on the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State resulted in five confirmed fatalities and the destruction of over 70 cars.
The incident unfolded amidst ongoing neglect of the East-West Road, exacerbating risks for motorists navigating its deteriorated stretches.
Initial reports suggested that the disaster was triggered by a collision between the tanker and another heavy-duty vehicle on the dilapidated road, igniting a massive inferno.
However, the Eleme axis of the East-West road has long been plagued by hazardous conditions, sparking repeated protests from concerned citizens demanding urgent repairs.
Despite recent rehabilitation efforts initiated by the Federal Government, criticisms persist regarding the slow pace of work.
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