Separate tanker-related explosions in Lagos and Cross River states have left at least 40 people injured and one person dead, while destroying buildings and vehicles in the affected areas.
The Lagos incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday along the Lekki–Epe Expressway near Ologuro Bus Stop in the Sangotedo area. Authorities said the explosion was triggered when a tipper truck rammed into a gas tanker from behind, igniting a massive fire.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that one person lost their life, while two others sustained injuries. The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said emergency responders were quickly deployed to contain the blaze.
Further details from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicated that the crash involved a Sinotruck tipper and a Mack trailer. According to the FRSC spokesperson, Elizabeth Jayeola, four adult males were involved in the accident.
“One person died, one was injured, while two others were unhurt. The crash was caused by speed violation, leading to loss of control and a collision,” she said.
The impact of the crash sparked a fire that engulfed the tipper driver, leaving him burnt beyond recognition, while his assistant sustained injuries.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reported that the fire spread beyond the crash site, damaging three warehouses and about 10 roadside shops, including a gym and a generator house. Several vehicles parked in the vicinity were also destroyed before firefighters brought the situation under control.
In a separate incident in Calabar, Cross River State, at least 38 people suffered varying degrees of burns following a gas explosion at a filling station.
The explosion reportedly occurred during the transfer of gas from a storage tank to a service tank after a hose became detached, causing gas to leak into the surrounding environment before igniting.
Police authorities in Cross River confirmed that the fire escalated quickly, leaving residents with little time to escape. The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Eitokpah, said victims sustained mainly burn injuries, with severe cases referred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
Despite the scale of the explosion in Calabar, officials confirmed that no fatalities were recorded, and victims are currently receiving treatment.
Authorities have urged motorists and operators to adhere strictly to safety regulations to prevent similar incidents.
