Juliana Francis
A 15-year-old boy, Master Oliwatobi Lawal, who was preparing to write his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) was among those believed to have been killed in the fire outbreak at Ajegunle via Toll Gate Bus Stop, Abeokuta Expressway, bordering Lagos and Ogun States on Friday, 22d April.
The Information and Public Relations Officer of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, however, confirmed only the death of the boy, adding that several makeshift shops were razed in the inferno.
He also stated that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has successfully combated the fire. It is believed that aside from the death of Lawal, there were people who sustained burnt injuries.
The Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Adeseye Margaret, said: “The emergency which was reported at 02:16 midnight hours of Friday resulted from a Tanker meant to service Ayinde Oil Filling Station at Ajegunle which accidentally spilled its 45,000 liters PMS contents while negotiating a bend to the Station before resulting to Fire from the nefarious activities of scoopers at the Toll Gate end. Causing it to spread through some roadside makeshift shops to its source at Ajegunle Bus Stop. The situation is however being brought under control by the Agege, Ikeja, and Alausa Firefighters of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service with the use of tactical Firefighting application of Chemical Foam Compound to suppress the Fire. The public is hereby assured that the situation is under control as the process of mopping up and evacuating the remains of the Fire is ongoing. They should however exercise caution and restraint as outbound Lagos traffic has been diverted to travel with the inbound vehicular traffic. Unfortunately, a male adult was recovered suspected dead likewise three various brands of vehicles were involved in the Fire aside from the tanker and shops.”
