Residents are in a panic after a terrible fire incident early Wednesday morning along the Ibafo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway destroyed cars valued at millions of naira and damaged homes and animals.

A petrol truck crashed in front of a commercial bank along the expressway, starting the fire.

The driver is thought to have fallen asleep at the wheel, lost control, and caused the tanker to topple over, which in turn caused a huge explosion, according to eyewitnesses .

The petrol spill from the overturned tanker reportedly reached a community about a kilometer from the motorway after passing through a drainage system.

A number of surrounding buildings suffered from broken windows, damaged roofs, and cracked walls as a result of the resulting fire.

Emergency services have rushed to the location for rescue and treatment after the tragedy left multiple people with various degrees of injuries.

According to an eyewitness named Wasiu, the tragedy was caused by the tanker driver’s careless driving.

PICTORIAL: Lagos Red Line Rail begins commercial operations yesterday.

Lagos Red Line Rail Credit: Olabode Olalekan, Segun Odunayo

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will today (Tuesday) officially unveil the LMRT Red Line for commercial operations.

Speaking on the project, the governor said this is the second rail system to become operational in less than two years in the state.

The 27-kilometre Red Line has eight stations at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju, and Agbado.

The train service is projected to transport about 500,000 Lagosians daily as the schedule is increased, providing a viable means of commuting.

In a post on X.com on Tuesday, Sanwo-Olu wrote, “Dear Lagosians, today marks the launch of commercial operations of the LMRT Red Line, commencing passenger services from Agbado to Oyingbo.

“We’re on a mission to keep Lagos moving, and the Red Line is a key part of our vision to create a seamlessly connected city. It is also our second rail system to become operational in less than two years.

“Spanning 27 , the Red Line has eight stations at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju, and Agbado. The train service is projected to transport about 500,000 Lagosians daily as we ramp up the schedule and provide a viable means of commuting.”

He added that daily passenger services will depart from Agbado at 6:00 AM, with the second train leaving Iju Station at 7:30 AM.

“Ensure you have your Cowry Card ready to board,” he noted.⁷

He urged residents to treat the project with the respect it deserves.

“Vandalism or disruptions will not be tolerated — together, we can ensure that our trains remain a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone,” he noted.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has revealed that IHS Towers — one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world — is set to refurbish the damaged Kano Digital Industrial Park.

The minister made this known when he visited the Park for on-the-spot assessment of the level of damage to the facility.

Daily Trust reported that the park was destroyed, looted and a section set on fire by some irate youths during the August 1 nationwide hardship protest, two weeks before its commissioning.

Abdussalam Gwarzo, who condemned the vandalism said it was a setback to the state’s digital development and to Nigeria’s broader technological aspirations.

He extended the government’s sympathy to the ministry, assuring attendees that measures were being taken to address the situation. He noted that security agencies, with the support of local community leaders, had recovered a significant portion of the stolen equipment.