Humans, vehicles roasted in Lagos

35 vehicles were burnt beyond recognition after a fuel laden tanker overturned and burst into flames at Mile 2, Lagos, in the early hours of Saturday.

The tanker, with plate number XB 370 ATN, was descending from the Mile 2 bridge around midnight when the fuel compartment overturned, eye witnesses said.

Number of casualties could not be ascertained as the inferno reduced everything within its 100 feet path to ashes. 

Charred remains of human parts and burnt goods littered the scene.

It could also not be verified if the tanker driver and his passenger escaped unhurt – the headlights were on and the doors left ajar.

An eye witness who identified himself as Saheed said he was making a phone call when he heard a strange sound.

“I had just finished making a call that night when I heard the sound. Immediately, I opened the door of the bus and ran for my life,” said Saheed, who sleeps in one of the abandoned buses.

Private cars, inter-state commuter buses belonging to Osariemen Motors, Ufuoma Motors, and Lord’s Banner Motors, towing vans, abandoned buses as well as a store house  were razed by the inferno.

“It was terrible. Everywhere was dark and people were running, not knowing whether they were running away from the fire or towards it,” said another eye witness who did not want to be named. 

According to eye witnesses, distress calls to emergency agencies were not responded to.