At press time, the fire was still raging, causing a gridlock on the road and putting officials of the Edo command on their toes, as they divert motorists to take alternative routes.

The FRSC Toll-gate Unit Commander, Mr Adewale Ameen, who confirmed the accident, said no life was lost in the incident.

He explained that the six trucks involved in the accident burnt to ashes, adding, “as I speak with you, the fire is still raging and our men are on standby to control traffic.’’

He said the multiple accidents occurred following an armed robbery attack at KM/33 on the Benin-Ore-Lagos expressway on Saturday night.

“The robbery caused a container to fall across the road and as two other unsuspecting trucks got to the scene, in an attempt to escape from the robbers, rammed into the container.

“But the unfortunate thing was that a truck laden with 33,000 litres of petrol rammed into the other trucks which caught fire. But I can confirm that no life was lost in the accident and our men are on ground to control traffic.

“We have completely blocked the Ore side of the expressway and have diverted traffic to the Benin lane. But we are also appealing to motorists and travellers from the Lagos end to go through Ogbemudia Farms,’’ the FRSC Commander said.