A man has been burnt to death in the Oshodi area of Lagos State after a 33,000-litre tanker conveying petrol, fell and caught fire.
It was learnt that the tanker had fallen on Tuesday around the NAFDAC office when the exhaust pipe of an oncoming van scratched against the tarred road, igniting fire.
The victim, who was burnt beyond recognition, was said to be scooping fuel from the tanker.
An official of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the incident happened around 1.15am.
He said, “The tanker had tripped and fallen around the NAFDAC office area. The exhaust pipe of a pickup van, which was carrying charcoal, scratched gainst the tarred road and ignited fire.
“The man, who we learnt was scooping fuel at the time, was caught in the inferno and was killed.”
It was learnt that the charred remains of the victim had been handed over to officials of the State Environmental and Health Monitoring Unit.
As stated by the General Manager of LASEMA, Michael Akindele, the police and officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) assisted the agency in clearing the wreakage from the road.
He said, “A tanker fire accident involving a 33,000 litres PMS tanker, a stationery trailer conveying a container and a truck occurred at about 1.15am today (Tuesday) at Oshodi.
“The fire occurred after the 33,000 litre truck fell and there was leakage of PMS which thereafter ignited fire, spreading to the container and the truck. An adult male died in the incident.”