Traders, others count losses as another tanker explodes in Ibadan

By Rotimi Agboluaje, Ibadan

Another tragedy struck in Ibadan, over the weekend as another tanker exploded, leading to the destruction of property worth millions of naira.

The incident threw the owners of the affected shops into agony.

The explosion occurred around Lead City University, Ibadan, Toll Gate end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at 2:45 p.m.

It was gathered that one of the affected shops was loaded with computer sets worth millions of naira, and some of the cars and motorcycles that were packed along the road were razed by fire.

A source said the driver of the truck and his assistant narrowly escaped death.

The men of the Oyo State Fire Service supported by operatives of the Federal Fire Service were on the ground to bring the situation under control.

The owner of one of the affected shops who refused to mention her name said: “I just heard a bang from outside. Initially, I mistook it for a gunshot.

“Before I realised what was happening, the atmosphere had been enveloped with thick smoke.

“Calls were put through to the Fire Services. But before they arrived, the deed had been done. I have lost everything to the inferno. I don’t know where to start again.”