There was massive tragedy and confusion at the Randuck filling station area of Oke-Afa, Isolo in Lagos on Wednesday, after an impatient tricycle rider rammed into a fuel tanker.
A tricycle (Keke Napep) rider and a passenger in the front seat has reported died while two other passengers were said to be in critical conditions after a tricycle rider rammed into a fuel tanker on Wednesday at the Randuck Filling Station Oke-Afa in the Isolo area of Lagos metropolis.
It was gathered that the fourth passenger who sustained minor injuries had been discharged as others are still admitted in critical condition at the Isolo General Hospital, Isolo.
An eye witness identified as Jibola Oladokun disclosed to a correspondent that the accident was caused by the impatience of the tricycle rider.
“The tanker had just discharged fuel at a filling station nearby (not Randuck). It was driving out of the station around 9am when the accident happened.
“While the tanker was reversing, a bus and the tricycle, which were on different lanes on the road, were speeding towards the tanker. At this time, about 20 per cent of the tanker was on the road, while 80 per cent was still inside the station.
“The bus driver was able to apply the brakes, but the tricycle rider couldn’t as the tricycle went under the tanker. A sharp rod in the tanker pierced the rider and the passenger beside him. They died on the spot,” hee said, adding that while two other passengers in the back seat were seriously injured, one escaped with a scratch.
It was learnt that passersby and sympathisers brought out the victims from the wreckage as officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Federal Road Safety Corps and policemen from the Ejigbo division responded to the emergency.
A LASTMA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the police towed the tanker and the tricycle to the station, adding that the tanker driver fled the scene.
“The accident caused a lot of commotion. The driver of the tanker took to his heels after seeing what had happened. But I don’t think he was at fault. The tricycle rider and the bus driver saw the tanker from a distance but instead of waiting, they chose to speed on.
“The man that did not sustain serious injuries just asked the sympathisers to let him go home. He cancelled whatever appointment he had. He said tomorrow was his birthday. The two other passengers sustained serious injuries and I don’t know if they would make it as well.”
The Public Relations Officer of LASTMA, Mahmud Hassan, confirmed the incident. “Two people were confirmed dead on the spot and two others are receiving treatment at the hospital. The police have taken over the case for investigation. We strongly advise motorists, commercial or private, to always exercise caution when on the road. Patience and adherence to traffic rules can save us and our loved ones from agony and pain.”
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