Five die, others injured in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway petrol tanker accident

Five people have died in an accident involving two petrol-laden tankers and three vehicles in Ogere, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The Guardian learned that the accident occurred about 0330hrs, around Tunji Akegi Filling Sation, Kwakyama area of Ogere in Ogun State.

Public Relations Officer of TRACE Corps, Cdr. Babatunde Akinbiyi, who confirmed the incident, said five people were recovered dead.

According to him, they were burnt beyond recognition, while rescue operation is still ongoing.

He disclosed that the spill from the unfortunate inferno, affected traffic inbound Ibadan, which has resulted in rerouting traffic, along the diversion axis.

Also, an advisory, released on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of TRACE, Akinbiyi, urged the motoring public to exercise patience while the burnt vehicles are being removed from the road.

Buses and cars were also advised to take the alternative route.

“Motoring public, plying the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, inbound Ibadan, is hereby notified of a fire incident which occurred about 0330hrs, involving two petrol laden tankers and three vehicles around Tunji Akegi Filling Sation, Kwakyama area of Ogere,” Akinbiyi said.

“Regrettably, as at this moment, while rescue operation is still ongoing, five persons have been recovered dead, burnt beyond recognition, as the spill from the unfortunate inferno has affected traffic inbound Ibadan, which has resulted into rerouting traffic, along the diversion axis.

“While the prompt response of security and safety agencies including, TRACE, FRSC, POLICE, FIRE SERVICE, Sagamu and PTD Ogere is appreciated, and with rescue effort still ongoing, articulated vehicles are urged to exercise patience, while the burnt vehicles are being removed from the road, as buses and cars are advised to take the alternative route below:

“From Sagamu Interchange link Iperu to Ode/Saapade back to the expressway, inbound Ibadan to continue your journey.

“While TRACE Corps, ditto other safety and security agencies, commiserate with the families of the deceased, any inconveniences the unfortunate but avoidable incidence have caused the general public is highly regretted please.”