Lagos Tanker Explosion Kills Scores, Burns Bank, Destroys Property Worth Millions of Naira (SEE PHOTOS)
Remains of Sterling Bank building ...Pics by Urhobotoday
By Efemena Laba
Scores of people were reported to have lost their lives in a tanker explosion which occurred at the Berger Bus-stop along Kirikiri road, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos.
In the explosion, the building of a new generation bank, Sterling Bank was burnt to ashes, while scores of vehicles, houses and shops in the area were also set ablaze by the inferno caused by the explosion. Millions of Naira must have been lost as a result of the inferno which also engulfed spare part stores in the vicinity.
Burnt commercial bus Pics by Urhobotoday
Urhobotoday investigation revealed that the tanker laden with petrol which exploded at about 11.00 pm on Tuesday was coming from the direction of Mile II going towards Kirikiri road, Olodi, Apapa. On getting to the bend of the road at Berger bus-stop by Kirikiri road just opposite Sterling Bank, it fell on its side while trying to pass through the bend and it immediately exploded into flames.
Container shops destroyed by the inferno Pics by Urhobotoday
A commercial bus known as ‘danfo’ loaded with passenger coming from the direction of Mile II moving towards Wilmer that was behind the trailer immediately caught fire and all the passengers in the vehicle were alleged to have roasted to death. The inferno then spread to the direction of Sterling Bank setting the bank ablaze and spread over to spare part stores at the back and side of the bank.
Burnt buildings.. Pics by Urhobotoday
The fire also spread to opposite the banks where Hausa people are selling roasted meat known as suya burning stores and score of vehicles which include tralers and car parked in the vicinity.
The two ATM machines positioned at the premises of Sterling Bank were missing at the time Urhobotoday correspondent got there. Our investigation revealed that the ATM machines must have been stolen by hoodlums who got to the scene of the accident earlier.
LASEMA Officials at the scene
The corpse of the tanker driver was still glued to the driver seat of the vehicle when our reporter got the scene, while corpses of those who died in the commercial vehicle and those selling in their stores have already been evacuated to an undisclosed place. Burt remains of vehicles and shops were conspicuous on the scene of the incident.
Meanwhile security men made of Nigerian police and Civil Defence were seen keeping vigil on the bank and other area so as to prevent hoodlums from looting property. Staff of LASEMA were also seen at the seen. They, however, refused to speak to our correspondent.
