The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service says it has put out the fire on the Abeokuta Expressway, Lagos.

The Director of the Service, Margaret Adeseye, while giving an update said one person died from the inferno, three vehicles and some shops were also burnt following the inferno that resulted from the spillage of petrol.

It said the spillage occured from a tanker at Ajegunle Area, through toll gate bus stop on the Abeokuta Expressway, Lagos.

“Reports of the incident got to the service at 2:16 a.m. on Friday. The accident occured when a 45,000 litres PMS capacity tanker wanted to negotiate a bend on the highway as it was on its way to serve a petrol station,” said the statement. “The spillage spread to the roadsides and the residents started to scoop the PMS,  this nefarious activity ensured the  fire outbreak.”

It added, “These people risked their lives, the service has warned residents severally, never to scoop PMS. However, the situation has been brought under control by the fire fighting  crews.”

Ms Adeseye said emergency responders were still at the scene to ensure that all hindrances to free movement and wreckage of the tanker were removed promptly.

She assured the public that the situation was under control as the process of mopping up and evacuation of the remains of the fire was ongoing.

Ms Adeseye added that the public should also exercise caution and restraint as outbound Lagos traffic had been diverted to travel alongside the inbound vehicular traffic. 

(NAN)