Victims of the recent tanker fire incident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State are appealing to the state government for assistance. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in the destruction of several vehicles and goods, leaving many devastated.
According to reports, the fire started when a tanker loaded with petrol overturned in front of a commercial bank at the Ibafo section of the expressway. Eyewitnesses suggested that the driver of the tanker might have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the loss of control and the subsequent explosion.
The explosion destroyed five vehicles, including the tanker and four tippers, worth millions of naira. Houses and animals were also affected by the fire. Muftau Afunso, one of the drivers, lost an Iveco 20 tonnes tipper worth N50m, which he had acquired on hire purchase. He has been hospitalized since the incident and expressed his desperation, as the vehicle was his only source of income to feed his family and the children of his late brother.
Another driver, Isiaka Olasunkanmi, who was given a vehicle on hire purchase after an accident left him amputated, also lost his vehicle in the fire. He pleaded for government assistance, as his family is now in a dire situation. Azeez Olamilekan, the son of a furniture maker, reported that their goods worth over N1m were destroyed, and most of the materials were obtained on credit, leading to a significant debt for his father, who has since fallen ill.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has expressed his condolences to the victims and described the incident as unfortunate. He urged tanker drivers to adhere to safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
