No fewer than 16 people were roasted alive while about 30 houses were completely razed on Wednesday when a fully loaded petrol tanker lost control in the Gaika area of Jebba in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The inferno that resulted from the accident destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
The incident occurred at about 9 am when the tanker suddenly lost control along the Gaika road.
It was learnt that the tanker violently hit a car from the rear and burst into flames before it ran into the nearby buildings where no fewer than 30 persons were affected.
The petrol substance which reportedly spilt on the floor after the crash inflamed the inferno.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and properties in the fire incident.
He said the development was devastating and sad.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said in a statement that “The Governor is very sad at this development especially with the loss of lives and millions of naira worth of properties and farmlands.
“He sends his heartfelt condolences to the affected families. He urges them to take heart and remain calm as believers.
“He has also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to quickly move in to determine the material loss.”
The statement further said the Kwara governor, “also commends the Kwara State Fire Service and other responders for their efforts which helped to curtail the raging inferno and minimised the loss.
“Once again, he condoles with the victims and their families on this very sad incident, and prays to God Almighty to repose the souls of the deceased.”