Panic as petrol tanker overturns, explodes in Ogun

A tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, on Sunday, exploded in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Our correspondent learnt that the tanker overturned around 04.45am while making its way inbound Rounder from Oju-Irin, Lafenwa area of Abeokuta.

The Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, Babatunde Akinbiyi, had confirmed earlier that TRACE officials, Police, Federal Road Safety Corps and the firefighters were working assiduously to restore normalcy.

Akinbiyi said transloading was in progress, warning the general public, particularly the motoring public domiciled or moving around the axis to remain calm and cooperative.

He also warned the public to avoid scooping of fuel, use of handset and cooking gas so as not to spark off a fire.”

However, our correspondent reports that the fallen tanker finally exploded in the course of the rescue operation.

It could not be immediately confirmed if there are casualties as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, motorists going inward Rounder axis from Lafenwa have been urged to use Olomore and Oke-Ata axis respectively as alternative routes. Punch