Petrol tanker explosion kills six, destroys 30 houses in Kwara

The petrol tanker said to be travelling through the ancient town had lost control and spilled its contents as it rammed into residential buildings.

Eyewitness account said that the incident resulted in huge explosions that also burnt down over 30 houses and shops.

When contacted, Spokesperson of the state Fire Service Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident, promising to update our correspondent in the next one hour.

Meanwhile, state Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and properties, describing the development as devastating and sad.

In a statement, Mallam AbdulRazaq’s media aide Rafiu Ajakaye said 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.

“He 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.”