Peter Dada, Akure

A tanker carrying 33,000 litres of petrol on Wednesday fell at Shagari Village junction on the Akure-Owo Expressway, Akure, the Ondo State capital, killing five people, including a toddler.

The tanker, after falling, was said to have spilt its content on the road and later caught fire, burning no fewer than seven vehicles, among which were a commercial bus and six private cars, as well as many motorcycles.

Two houses and many shops along the road were also reportedly affected.

According to an eyewitness, the deceased were occupants of the burnt vehicles.

He added that the deceased were trapped and burnt inside the affected vehicles.

The identity of the victims could not be ascertained as they were burnt beyond recognition.

The eyewitness said, “The tanker was on top speed when a Toyota Corolla suddenly crossed the road. As the tanker driver was trying to avoid hitting the car, he swerved off his lane and the vehicle fell on the car and caught fire immediately.”

The eyewitness added that it took many hours after the fire had started before men of the Ondo State Fire Service arrived at the scene to put it out.

Some men of the state police command and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were said to have also responded to the emergency.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Joseph, said the incident was still being investigated.

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