Tanker fire burns 15 to death in Lagos.

The PUNCH gathered that; At least 15 people lost their lives in Lagos on Tuesday night  when  a tanker  laden with 33,000 litres of petrol lost control and rammed into vehicles at Kirikiri, Lagos.

Our correspondents learnt that the tanker spilt all its content, thereby  causing the  fire that burnt  a branch of Sterling Bank at  Berger Suya Bus Stop, one  Automated Teller Machine, 11 vehicles and 60 shops.

Most of the  dead were said to be passengers of a commercial bus  (danfo)  that was  behind the  tanker when it fell and exploded.

An eyewitness claimed that  the  fire caused by the explosion  spread to Suya spots in the area  and burnt parked  vehicles . He added that the body of the tanker driver was glued to  his  seat for  over 40 minutes  before    rescue officials  removed  it.

Some residents of the area told our correspondent that immediately the accident occurred,  15 people, mostly passengers of a commercial bus, lost their lives.

They said that Capital Oil, Julius Berger and Swift Oil deployed water trucks to put out the flames.

It was learnt that as they fought the fire, it continued to spread to other streets.

“One policeman was severely burnt by the fire but we were able to save him. We then proceeded to Sterling Bank and forced the gate open. The security guard had collapsed but we brought him out and he was taken to a nearby hospital.”

One of our correspondents, who entered the premises of  the bank, observed that its heavy duty generator was completely burnt.

The banking hall was also burnt while computers and other equipment were said to have been stolen by hoodlums during the rescue operation.

The President, Berger Business Community, Mr. Okey Udeagba, said about five  injured traders  were  rushed to   hospitals.

Udeagba said the market had been closed due to the fire, adding that  traders alone  lost at least N100m due to the  incident.

He said, “We did not lose any member to the fire  but five people were injured and are recuperating in different hospitals. Most of those killed were passengers and bystanders. However, we lost over N100m   to the fire.

Another victim, Okechukwu Mmadu, said he lost 12 heavy duty engines worth N8m to the fire..

Policemen, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were seen controlling the   crowd at the scene.

The spokesman, National Emergency Management Agency, South-West Zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, said the fire was put out around 1am on Wednesday.