An explosion has occured along the Otedola Bridge axis of Berger in Lagos after a petrol-laden tanker exploded with the blaze reportedly engulfing about 50 other vehicles.
Eyewitnesses report that the tanker was heading inwards Lagos towards Alausa when the crash occurred, causing panic and fear.
Official reports from the Traffic management authorities in Lagos says over 50 vehicles are affected in the inferno which occurred as a result of brake failure, heightening fears that many commuters may have been trapped in the affected cars.
The Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) are reported to be among the first responders at the scene trying to contain the fire.
LASEMA reports that nine persons were killed in the inferno and four persons suffered various degrees of burns. It added that 54 vehicles were completely burnt in the accident.
According to a series of tweet on the official Twitter account of LASTMA, report of the incidence read:
[18:00Hrs] “A tanker which had brake failure loaded with PMS caught fire on the Otedola Bridge INW Berger. The number of vehicles affected is 20+, the traffic situation is at standstill, all alternative routes advised at the moment.”
[18:32Hrs] “Please be advised that the effect of this fire incident will be colossal in the next few minutes. Please cooperate with all law enforcement agents in the line of this. Alternative routes advised right from the Third Mainland Bridge.
“[18:46Hrs] The traffic backlog as a result of the explosion of the PMS laden tanker is now as far back as the Third Mainland Bridge, backing up to the traffic to UNILAG Water-Front at the moment.”
[18:59Hrs] Alternative route of Apongbon is still Gd thru the Eko bridge all the way to Ojuelegba, then approaching the Dornan Long Bridge it starts getting slow all the way to Anthony. But it’s a moving traffic.
Temidayo Taiwo-Sidiq is a Journalist, Political Analyst and Satirist with major interest in Nigerian Politics, Governance and Sports.
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