No fewer than nine persons lost their lives and 54 vehicles burnt in the petrol tanker fire that occurred in Lagos on Thursday on Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
A petrol tanker was said to have caused the disaster when it fell and spilled its content.
The Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Roads Safety Commission, FRSC, confirmed the number of people that died in the incident and the number of vehicles burnt.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos State, CSP Chike Oti, 54 vehicles were burnt while nine people died.
The Lagos State Sector Commander of FRSC, Hygenus Omege, confirmed the figures.
“It is obvious that the driver lost control of the tanker. We heard the tanker suffered brake failure. We have counted 54 burnt vehicles. Four people, who were rescued, are in the emergency unit and about nine bodies have been recovered,” Omege said.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the incident.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Disaster as petrol tanker fire consumes over 30 vehicles, several people
His remark is contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.
Said Buhari: “I’m 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.’’
The Lagos State government in its reaction, expressed sadness over the incident too.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, the government would continue to work towards ensuring safety of lives and property.
The statement reads in part: “On behalf of the Lagos State Government, we extend our commiseration to the families of persons who lost their lives, as well as those who lost their property to the incident.
“As a government, we will not relent in putting measures in place to ensure safety of lives and property of all residents.”
