Tragedy averted as fully-loaded petrol tanker falls in Ogun

The Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) said tragedy was averted on Thursday as a tanker, loaded with 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), fell at Odo-Sede, Akeja area, along Osi-Ikola in Ogun.

Mr. Adekunle Ajibade, the South-West Area Commander of TRACE, told the newsmen on Thursday in Ota that the incident occurred at about 2.56 a.m. on the same day.

Ajibade explained that the tanker coming from Lagos rolled back while ascending a hill and fell on its side at Akeja Road.

He said the accident followed a mechanical fault but indicated that no life was lost in the unfortunate incident.

“We thank God that no lives or property were lost in the incident, but we are appealing to tanker owners to ensure that their vehicles are in good order and properly maintained before putting them on the road,” he said.

He said the tanker totally blocked the access roads, both inbound and outbound, resulting in a serious gridlock.

Ajibade added that officials from TRACE, police, NUPENG, and the Fire Services were on the ground to maintain sanity on the axis.

Ajibade added that the road had been closed to vehicular movement to prevent avoidable mishaps.

He listed some alternative routes for motorists, including Command Road, Osi-Ikola Road, or the Lagos/Abeokuta Motorway.

Ajibade also said that transloading of the tanker had commenced, adding that the vehicle would be removed immediately transloading was completed.

He admonished tanker drivers against restless driving, urging them to install speed limit devices in their vehicles.