Tragedy struck in the early hours of Tuesday when a tanker explosion reportedly claimed the lives of two individuals in the Orita Challenge area of Oluyole Local Government, Ibadan.
Grassroots Parrot gathered that the incident occurred around Gabster Mega Petrol Station at approximately 5:00 am, resulted in the deaths of the tanker driver and his motor boy, both of whom were burnt beyond recognition.
Eyewitnesses who spoke with PUNCH recounted the horrifying scene, stating that the victims were trapped in the inferno and had no means of escape.
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“The incident happened around 5:00 this morning. The driver and his motor boy were trapped in the fire and couldn’t escape. They were burnt beyond recognition,” one eyewitness revealed.
Emergency response teams, including operatives of the Oyo State Fire Service and security agencies, quickly mobilized to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby commercial outlets and residential buildings.
Confirming the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform to Governor Seyi Makinde and Chairman of the State Fire Services Agency, Moroof Akinwande, stated that firefighters responded swiftly to the emergency.
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“We received information about the fire at Gabster Mega Petrol Station, Orita Challenge, at 5:15 am. The situation is now under control,” Akinwande assured.
As of the time of filing this report, investigations into the cause of the explosion were ongoing, while authorities urged residents to remain cautious and adhere to safety regulations around fuel-laden vehicles.