8th February, 2023
By Aderemi Bamgbose
A fuel-laden tanker exploded on Wednesday on the Ore-Benin Expressway at Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
It was the second such explosion in the area in nine days, after a kerosene tanker exploded there on Jan. 31, roasting the driver.
Mr Sikiru Alonge, Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed the explosion, stating that the driver escaped unharmed and that no lives were lost in the incident on Wednesday.
According to him, the driver lost control of the vehicle due to a blown tyre.
Alonge said efforts were being made to put out the fire and that FRSC personnel had been deployed to the area to ease traffic congestion.
“The explosion occurred because of a burst tyre. This made the tanker wobble and spill its contents on the road, leading to flames and later, the explosion.
“There is no loss of life in the incident. We are collaborating with the fire station in Ondo town to help put out the fire, since there is no fire station in Ore.
“We have also deployed our personnel to the area to control traffic so as to ease traffic congestion,” Alonge said.
He urged motorists, especially drivers of articulated vehicles, to always put their vehicles in good order before taking them to the highway.
NAN