By Editor Drealomalicha Emmanuella
A deadly gas tanker explosion in the early hours of Saturday has claimed two lives and destroyed several properties along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
The incident occurred at about 2:36 a.m. near Tera Ahmed bus stop in Sangotedo, following a collision between a 30-tonne gas tanker and a speeding 20-tonne tipper truck approaching from the Epe axis.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the tipper truck rammed into the tanker, which was reportedly stationary on the highway without being properly parked off the road.
The impact triggered a massive inferno that rapidly spread to surrounding structures, destroying three warehouses and at least 10 roadside shops, including a gym and a generator house.
Firefighters from Lekki Phase II, Oniru and Epe II stations were quickly deployed to the scene. Their prompt intervention helped contain the blaze before it could spread to a nearby petrol station and a fully loaded 33,000-litre petrol tanker—averting what officials described as a potential catastrophe.
Authorities confirmed that the tipper driver and his assistant died in the explosion, while the driver of the gas tanker escaped unhurt.
Emergency teams also recovered several vehicles from the scene, including three Sienna buses, a Toyota Corolla and a forklift. Clearance operations are ongoing, though normal activities have gradually resumed in the area.
Leave a Reply