24 April 2013, Ibadan – Caretaker chairman of Ibadan North West Local Government Area, Mr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, has disclosed that over N500 million worth of property was lost in Monday’s fuel tanker fire in Ibadan.
Olatunbosun also said over 70 houses and shops were razed in the infernor at Omitowoju area of the Oyo State capital, but there was no casualty.
He spoke as residents of the affected counted their losses from the accident, which occurred after the driver of the fuel tanker lost control of the vehicle, which subsequently fell, spilling its 33,000-litre cargo on the road.
He blamed the incident on negligence on the part of the tanker driver, adding that the fire was so serious that he had to call on a company nearby to assist in putting it out.
The council boss maintained that the fuel had contaminated the water supply and electricity.
To prevent the affected residents from drinking polluted water, he said an order had been given for a tanker of drinkable water to be stationed in the area for the people.
