14 January 2014, Lagos – Residents and Lagos state government have expressed concern over security risks posed by the petroleum tankers frequent accidents with attendant loss of lives and properties in the state.
In the last week, according to sources, the state Fire and Safety Services responded to at least six distress calls concerning fallen takers, filled with 33, litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit, PMS, otherwise called petrol, in different parts of the state.
It will be recalled that a New Year tragedy occurred last Tuesday night when a petroleum tanker, fully loaded with PMS, exploded and killed no fewer than 15 people and burnt several vehicles at Berger Suya, along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
Earlier in the week, there were two reported cases of tankers that overturned and spilled their contents on the road but did not explode.
A day after the Apapa Oshodi Expressway explosion, there were two other recorded tanker accidents, which though did not result into explosion following the quick intervention of fire services and traffic managers. One of the tankers fell at Iju-Ishaga, in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, and the other tanker fell at Ajasa Command, in Agbado Oke Odo Local Council Development Area, LCDA.
Mr Jerry Stephen, a Lagos businessman, accused the Federal Government of not doing the needful in the production and distribution of petroleum products in the country despite the huge income from the oil sector.
Tanker explosions
“We, concerned Nigerians, are disturbed by the incessant tanker explosions in the state and in Nigeria generally.
“They have continued to claim innocent lives and property without any pragmatic action from the FG in particular and the state governments in general..
“Is this how we will continue to witness carnage on our roads due to insensitivity to our plights by our leaders?
“I think the activities of these tankers should be regulated as soon as possible if the authorities cannot fix the rail lines and refineries.”
– Vanguard
