>
At least 10 people lost their lives, while scores were injured in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when a tanker conveying petroleum gas rammed into the popular Bode market on Sunday morning,
An eyewitness said that the gas tanker, which was coming from Idi Arere axis lost control due to brake failure, crushing many traders, a tricycle and commercial motorcycle in the process.
“The tanker overrun some traders. About 10 people died instantly while scores were injured. I advise the residents to keep far distance as the tanker could explode anytime if the situation is not well managed by the fire service,” the eyewitness said.
Some of the traders, who were at the scene when the accident occurred disclosed that it occurred around 8.30am, adding that the loud impact of the gas tanker when it rammed into a shopping complex inside the market caused apprehension.
It was gathered that the dual carriage expressway from Beere to Idi Arere and Bode, shortly before the flyover bridge has been closed to traffic, as men of Oyo State and Federal Fire Service, including officers of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police are currently at the scene evacuating the debris.
The Commander, Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC), Oyo State Command Mrs Uche Chukwura confirmed the accident.
She, however, stated that: “The accident occurred this morning at Bode market, but our people are still there evacuating the debris and casualty. For now, we cannot give a specific figure of the casualty. I would get back to you later on the number of people that died in the accident.”