Prime9jaOnline has learnt a fuel-laden tanker exploded on the Ore-Benin Expressway in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday.
It was the second such explosion in the area in nine days, after a kerosene tanker exploded there on January 31, roasting its driver.
According to Sikiru Alonge, Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ore, who confirmed the two explosions, the tanker driver escaped unharmed and no lives were lost in the incident on Wednesday.
He blamed the accident on the driver's loss of control of the vehicle due to a burst tyre.
Mr Alonge stated that efforts were being made to extinguish the fire and that FRSC personnel had been deployed to the area to ease traffic congestion.
“The explosion occurred because of a burst tyre. This made the tanker to wobble and spill its content on the road leading to flames and later, the explosion.
“There is no loss of life in the incident. We are collaborating with the Fire Station in Ondo town to help to put out the fire, since there is no fire service station in Ore.
“We have also deployed our personnel to the area to control traffic so as to ease traffic congestion,’’ Mr Alonge said.
He urged motorists, especially drivers of articulated vehicles to always put their vehicles in good order before taking them to the highway.