6 killed in tanker explosion in Kwara
No fewer than 6 people lost their lives while about 30 houses were completely razed on Wednesday when a Tanker lorry fully loaded with fuel lost control in Gaika area of Jebba in Moro local government area of Kwara state.
It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 9a.m. when the tanker which was driving along the popular Gaika road in Jebba, a border town in Kwara state suddenly lost control.
The lorry was said to have violently hit a car in its rear then got gutted by fire before it ran into the nearby buildings with not less than thirty of them affected.
The petrol substance which reportedly spilt on the floor after the crash inflamed the inferno.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Fire Service, Hassam Hakeem Adekunle said, “This vicious incident claimed 6 lives out rightly and leaving many people injured before the FRSC firstly rescued the casualties and carried the injured ones to the nearby hospital for proper treatment.
“On getting to the incident, we fully engaged and firstly curbed the further spreading of the fire to the others remaining buildings in the town. And later on, we furthered to the cooling of the affected buildings before we were able to overcome the whole inferno.
“In short, we thank Almighty God to vindicate us by overcoming the ravaging inferno in time, also to all our others sister agency that were present at the scene ground for assisting the situation. May Lord in his infinitesimal power continue to be protecting us especially in the course of our duty.
“Furthermore, the Director of Kwara State Fire Service Alh. Yakub Iyanda Waheed was present too. And just aftermath of the incident, He gathered a lot of people in that community and sensitized them on various safety tips in order to prevent or avert the similar future occurrences.”
Meanwhile the governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and properties in the fire incident. He described the development as devastating and sad.
“The Governor is very sad at this development especially with the loss of lives and millions of naira worth of properties and farmlands,” a statement by his spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye said, “He sends his heartfelt condolences to the affected families. He urges them to take heart and remain calm as believers.
“He has also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to quickly move in to determine the material loss.”
It added, “Once again, he condoles with the victims and their families on this very sad incident, and prays to God Almighty to repose the souls of the deceased.”
