A tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, has on Sunday exploded around Oju Irin in Lafenwa area of Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
Our correspondent learnt that the tanker overturned around 04.45am while making its way inbound Rounder from Oju-Irin, Lafenwa area of Abeokuta.
Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Spokesperson, Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), confirmed the incident to newsmen, saying the tanker was engulfed in fire due to the uncooperative attitude of people around the axis who were scooping fuel and other unwholesome act which sparked the fire.
Akinbiyi said transloading was in progress, warning the general public, particularly the motoring public domiciled or moving around the axis to remain calm and cooperative.
He also warned the public to avoid scooping of fuel, use of handset and cooking gas so as not to spark off a fire.”
However, our correspondent reports that the fallen tanker finally exploded in the course of the rescue operation.
It could not be immediately confirmed if there are casualties as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, motorists going inward Rounder axis from Lafenwa have been urged to use Olomore and Oke-Ata axis respectively as alternative routes.
Mr Ahmed Umar, the FRSC Sector Commander in the state, also confirmed the incident, saying that officers of the command are around to control traffic.
Some shops in the axis were affected by the fire.
