On Wednesday morning, a petrol tanker fire incident along the Ibafo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, has raised concerns about the delayed response to such emergencies. The incident, which destroyed vehicles, houses, and caused injuries, was triggered when a petrol tanker overturned in front of a commercial bank.
According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the tanker was suspected to have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the loss of control and the tanker’s fall. The petrol spill passed through a drainage system into a nearby community, causing significant damage. Residents reported that the fire did not catch immediately, allowing some individuals to scoop the fuel, which later led to the explosion.
The impact of the fire was severe, with several buildings suffering shattered windows, damaged roofs, and cracked walls. Four tipper trucks parked at Osadol Fuel Station were destroyed, and the fire extended into the community close to the expressway. Residents expressed that the fire caused panic, especially since most people were asleep when it spread into the area.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed that the driver sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital. Odutola stated that community members and police officers managed to bring the fire under control while awaiting the arrival of the fire service. This highlights the critical issue of delayed response times in emergency situations.
The incident has sparked calls for improved emergency response mechanisms to mitigate the effects of such disasters. Residents and authorities are urging for more prompt and effective responses to prevent such tragedies in the future.
