…tanker crashes and gas leak incidents trigger fires, destroying buildings and injuring dozens
At least one person has been confirmed dead, while more than 40 others sustained injuries following separate tanker-related explosions in Lagos and Calabar.
In Lagos, the incident occurred early Saturday along the Lekki–Epe Expressway near Sangotedo when a tipper truck collided with a gas tanker, triggering a massive fire outbreak.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the crash was caused by overspeeding and reckless driving. The impact led to the death of the tipper driver, while two others sustained injuries.
Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, quickly contained the fire, preventing it from spreading further.
However, the explosion caused significant damage, destroying three warehouses and about 10 roadside shops. Several vehicles parked in the area were also affected.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that the crash involved a Sinotruck tipper and a Mack trailer, reiterating that speed violation led to loss of control and collision.
In a separate incident in Calabar, Cross River State, no fewer than 38 people suffered varying degrees of burns after a gas explosion at a filling station.
The explosion reportedly occurred during the transfer of gas when a hose detached, causing leakage that ignited into a fire.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with residents scrambling for safety as flames spread rapidly.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that victims were rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for treatment, adding that no fatalities were recorded in the incident.
