Six persons lost their lives, while about 30 houses were burnt down on Wednesday when the driver of a petrol-laden tanker lost control in the Gaika area of Jebba, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.
It was gathered that properties worth millions of naira were destroyed by the inferno that followed the crash.
It was learnt that the accident happened around 9am when the tanker driver suddenly lost control of the vehicle.
The tanker was said to have hit a car in its rear, which was instantly engulfed by fire before it ran into nearby buildings, no fewer than 30 of which were affected.
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Kwara State Command, Mr Jonathan Owoade, said six persons died in the accident.
Owoade said, “Six dead bodies were recovered from the scene of the accident; of the six bodies recovered, four were burnt beyond recognition, while two that could be recognised were handed over to their relatives. The dead persons were given a mass burial.
“I was physically present at the scene of the accident with John Bello, who represents the Moro Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, as well as the head of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state.
“The petrol tanker was coming from Ilorin and was ascending a slope when it rammed into a car, which slowed down for two other cars coming from the Mokwa end of the road. The two oncoming vehicles were trying to avoid a broken down truck, but the tanker rammed into the car in front of it.
“It was the Hausa community that was mostly affected.”
The petrol, which reportedly spilled on the ground after the crash, helped the spread of the fire.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones and properties to the incident and described the development as devastating and sad.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, stated, “The governor is very sad by this development, especially with the loss of lives and millions of naira worth of property and farmlands.
“He sends his heartfelt condolences to the affected families. He urges them to take heart and remain calm as believers.
“He has also directed the State Emergency Management Agency to quickly move in to determine the material loss.
“He also commends the Kwara State Fire Service and other responders for their efforts, which helped to curtail the raging inferno and minimised the loss.
“Once again, he condoles with the victims and their families on this very sad incident and prays to God Almighty to repose the souls of the deceased.”
