Two People Dead As Fuel Tanker Crashes Into Truck In Lagos

Two people lost their lives after a fuel tanker and a tipper truck crashed along the Lekki–Epe Expressway in the Sangotedo area of Lagos.

In a statement, the controller-general of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye said the accident happened on Saturday morning, and emergency responders quickly moved to the scene.

“It was reported that a speeding 20-tonne tipper truck from the Epe end rammed into a stationary 30-tonne gas tanker that failed to pull over from the highway,” the statement reads.

Adeseye said the impact led to a fire, which spread to nearby buildings, destroying three warehouses and about 10 roadside shops, including a gym and a generator house, before firefighters were able to put it out.

He also said a nearby Total petrol station, which had a tanker carrying 33,000 litres of petrol, narrowly avoided catching fire and possibly exploding.

“After the blaze was extinguished, three Sienna buses, one Toyota Corolla, and a forklift parked within the affected area were recovered.

“Tragically, the tipper truck driver and his assistant, both adult males, were burnt beyond recognition, while the gas tanker driver escaped unhurt,” Adeseye said.

The agency are still working to clear the damaged vehicles from the road, although traffic in the area has mostly returned to normal.

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