𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐭𝐨-𝐀𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐢, 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐬–𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐲 - 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬

 Yomi Durojaye 

Panic and confusion gripped residents of Oto-Awori in Lagos State early on Christmas Day following a devastating fire outbreak along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.

The incident, which occurred at dawn near the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) axis in Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, was first reported by Citymood Badagry at about 4am. Eyewitnesses said a petrol tanker fell and exploded, triggering a massive inferno that quickly spread through the area.

Several houses and vehicles were reportedly razed by the fire, forcing residents to flee for safety. As of the time of filing this report, many people are feared dead, although the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed.

Emergency responders, including firefighters from the Ojo Fire Station and their counterparts from Badagry, were swiftly mobilised to the scene and were seen battling the raging flames for several hours.

Rescue operations are still ongoing as authorities work to contain the situation and assess the full extent of the damage. Residents have been urged to stay away from the area as investigations continue