A deadly gas tanker explosion has claimed two lives and destroyed several shops in Lagos, triggering panic among residents.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday along the Lekki–Epe Expressway in the Sangotedo area. Reports indicate that a speeding tipper truck rammed into a stationary gas tanker, leading to a massive explosion and fire outbreak.
The impact of the collision ignited the tanker, causing flames to spread rapidly to nearby structures. At least 10 roadside shops and several warehouses were destroyed in the inferno, along with vehicles parked in the vicinity.
The victims identified as the driver of the tipper truck and his assistant were reportedly trapped in the vehicle and burnt beyond recognition. The driver of the tanker, however, escaped unhurt.
Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, were quickly deployed to the scene and were able to contain the fire before it spread further. Their intervention also prevented a potentially larger disaster, as a nearby filling station and fuel tanker were at risk.
Preliminary findings suggest that overspeeding and reckless driving may have caused the accident, while questions remain about why the tanker was parked on the highway.
The explosion adds to a growing number of tanker-related accidents in Lagos, raising fresh concerns about road safety and the handling of highly flammable materials on busy highways.
What began as a road accident quickly turned into a deadly explosion once again exposing the dangers lurking on major Nigerian roads.
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