Many people avoided death by the whiskers yesterday as a petrol tanker skidded off the bridge at Toyota bus-stop, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway on its way to Airport Road and fell on three commercial buses parked at the bus stop. The accident occurred around 4:30p.m.

Thankfully, no live was lost in the incident as the diesel-laden tanker crushed everything in its sight, including buses parked on the service lane of the express by the entrance to the Ladipo spare parts market.

Eyewitnesses said the driver of the truck immediately voted with his feet for fear of being lynched by the Ladipo traders. The incident caused severe traffic logjam on the expressway on the Oshodi-bound lane, which extended towards Ilasa-Berliet bus stop yesterday evening.

However, no sooner had the truck fallen to the service lane with all its 18 tyres facing the sky that diesel began seeping out of the trailer. Immediately, Area Boys in the area brought out jerry cans to scoop fuel with plastic bowls and foams.

An eyewitness, who was at the scene when it happened, said it was a miracle that the accident didn’t claim anybody’s lives. “If anybody had told me nobody died with the extent of damage, I would not have believed it because the place the tanker fell into is always a crowded spot, with fruit sellers displaying their wares at the junction.

“Also, the buses always take turns to load passengers on the bridge and about four buses were affected. Yet, their drivers and conductors managed to escape. I think the driver lost control because if it was a case of brake failure, he would still have gotten to the foot of the bridge before maneuvering to stop,” he said.

 

Source: Guardian.ng

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