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No fewer than 16 people lost their lives on Wednesday, when a tanker fully loaded with petrol burst into flames after an accident in Gaika area of Jebba, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.
About 30 houses were also razed while properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in the inferno.
It was gathered that the accident occurred at about 9am when the tanker which was driving along the popular Gaika road in Jebba, a border town in Kwara state suddenly lost control.
The tanker was said to have violently hit a car in its rear and burst into flames before running into nearby buildings, with not less than thirty houses affected.
The petrol which reportedly spilt on the floor after the crash caused the fire to spread rapidly.
Meanwhile, Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and properties in the fire incident. He described the development as devastating and sad.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said: “The Governor is very sad at this development, especially with the loss of lives and millions of naira worth of properties 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 (SEMA) 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.”