Tanker driver dies, two injured, vehicles destroyed at Ota Tollgate explosion

A fuel tanker driver lost his life yesterday, while two others, a male and a female were injured in a fiery explosion after a fully loaded Premium Motor Spirits (PMS) truck crashed and exploded at Ota tollgate, Ogun State.

The Guardian learnt that the truck driver, who was trapped inside his vehicle was burnt beyond recognition before any help came, while the other victims were rescued.

Eyewitnesses said the driver of the truck was heading to Ota from Lagos but crashed as he approached the hill at the Ilo-Awela junction.

According to witnesses, the truck, which allegedly developed a mechanical fault while in motion, rolled back and fell on a side, spilling its content on the road, which resulted in a fire explosion.

Apart from the fully loaded Mack tanker, other vehicles lost in the explosion include GGE 428 XP commercial yellow Volkswagen LT Bus, two TVS Tricycles, two Boxer motorcycles and three commercial buses.

Reacting, TRACE Area Commander, Ajibade Adekunle, said the inferno was subsequently put out by the combined efforts of Ogun State and Lagos State Fire services, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with assistance from security agencies, including TRACE and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Meanwhile, the rescued victims were taken to the state hospital Ota, while the remains of the victim were taken away by safety agencies on the ground.

Also, commenting, Director, of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said the incident affected some make-shift shops situated by the roadside.