UPDATE: Fuel Tanker Explodes, Many Feared Dead, Scores Injured, Buildings Destroyed (PHOTO)

A petrol tanker exploded in Olodi-Apapa area of Lagos on Tuesday, January 7, at about 10:30 p.m. The flames spread fast towards the buidlings and vehicles, destroying them. Many people were trapped in the fire, and, according to yet-to-be confirmed reports, the number of casualties is from five to fifteen. Scores sustained variuos degrees of injuries. It was learnt that an oil barge discharging petrol at the MRS Oil and Gas tank farm jetty exploded within the Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, Lagos. The incident occurred because the vessel offloading product, premium motor spirit (PMS), into MRS tank farm was improperly handled: the 33,000L tanker lost control and somersaulted after brakes failure, causing a massive explosion. The fire was put out at about 1 a.m. on Wednesday. General Manager, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the victims were burnt beyond recognition, adding that the fully loaded petrol tanker somersaulted and exploded along Apapa Expressway. "LASEMA and the fire services took control of the incident scene. We are still at the scene enumerating and assessment is still on for a comprehensive detail," he said at press time.