A late-night crash involving a gas tanker and a tipper truck triggered a major fire outbreak in the Sangotedo area of Ajah, Lagos, leaving two people dead and destroying shops and warehouses.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said the accident happened around 2:36 a.m. on Saturday along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
According to the agency, “an oncoming speeding 20 tonnes tipper truck from Epe end rammed from behind into a stationed 30 tonnes gas truck that failed to pull over from the highway.”
The impact caused a fire that spread quickly to nearby buildings.
“The resultant effects culminated into fire spreading to adjoining three warehouses and 10 roadside shops including a gym and generator house,” the statement said.
Firefighters from Lekki Phase II, Oniru and Epe stations responded and were able to contain the blaze.
Officials said the operation helped prevent a larger disaster, as a nearby filling station and a fuel tanker were saved.
“The fire was put out, saving a Total Petrol Filling Station, its fully loaded 33,000 litres PMS tanker and a host of properties,” said fire service chief Margaret Adeseye.
Two victims—the tipper driver and his assistant—were “recovered burnt beyond recognition,” while the gas truck driver escaped unhurt.
Residents and traders described the scene as frightening, while expressing gratitude that the fire was contained before the filling station was affected.
Emergency teams later recovered damaged vehicles, including three buses and a car, as efforts continued to clear the road.
Authorities say normalcy has now returned, while investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
