At least 16 people were killed in a tragic vehicle explosion on the Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway at the Buhari Estate axis on Tuesday. According to Florence Okpe, the spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun state, the incident occurred around 1 pm when a Mazda bus carrying gas cylinders exploded.
Out of the 21 passengers aboard the vehicle, three sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, the identities of the deceased could not be immediately determined, as they were burnt beyond recognition.
Okpe confirmed that 16 individuals lost their lives in the explosion, while the three injured passengers are now receiving medical attention.
The FRSC sector commander, Akinwumi Fasakin, swiftly responded to the scene but expressed his dissatisfaction with the incident. Fasakin remarked that the driver should have refrained from transporting gas cylinders, which are highly flammable, given the obvious safety risks involved.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, also reacted to the incident, extending condolences to the families of the victims and those injured. In a statement, the governor emphasized the need for commercial vehicle operators in the state to avoid transporting hazardous materials, including gas cylinders, to prevent such tragedies.
Governor Abiodun called on the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to educate their members about the dangers of transporting flammable goods.
He further urged stakeholders, including drivers, unions, and regulatory bodies, to collaborate in order to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The safety of passengers must remain paramount, and all necessary measures should be taken to protect lives on the roads,” Abiodun stated, highlighting the importance of best practices and collective efforts to minimize risks associated with transporting dangerous materials.
