Nigeria - Lagos Tanker Inferno Claims 5?Lives, 39 Cars Burnt

No fewer than five persons were burnt to death Saturday at Mile 2, along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, when a petrol tanker went up in flames.

The inferno which occurred in the early hours of Saturday also consumed 39 cars, mostly commercial vehicles.

According to an eyewitness report, the driver of the petrol tanker with registration number, XB370ATN, lost control of the vehicle as the brakes apparently failed him before falling sideways after which the tanker caught fire.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations spokesman, Mr. Joseph Jaiyeoba, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident, saying only three persons were killed in the incident.

He said: "At about 1am, a tanker laden with petroleum with registration number XB370-ATN, was coming towards Orile from Mile 2.The tanker fell off and caught fire. Three persons were burnt to death."

At the last count, 39 vehicles were burnt, mostly commercial buses. Jaiyeoba said a manhunt had been organised for the driver of the tanker who is still at large.

By Chiemelie Ezeobi