The aftermath of a devastating fire at Otedola Bridge has left survivors grieving as businesses, vehicles, and livelihoods were reduced to ashes.
The fire erupted when a gas tanker overturned, leading to an inferno that claimed multiple lives and caused widespread destruction.
One survivor, George Uchenna, a driver, recounted his narrow escape.
“I parked with my boy when the tanker fell. We managed to run, but about ten bus drivers at the scene didn’t make it,” he said.
Among the victims was Baba Rotimi, a well-known mechanic trapped by the spreading gas before the fire ignited, leaving him with no escape.
His customer’s vehicle was also destroyed.
The flames rapidly consumed nearby businesses and structures.
Paul Samuel, a member of RCCG Fulfillment Centre, confirmed that while their church building was intact, its gate was damaged.
A mechanic, Tosin, revealed that a food vendor’s gas explosion worsened the fire, engulfing four parked cars.
Six tricycles and an entire shopping plaza were also destroyed, while scavengers took advantage of the disaster, sifting through debris for scrap metal.
A passerby expressed frustration at the scene.
“People lost their lives and property, yet scavengers are here picking what they can sell. It’s painful.”
While many counted their losses, a nearby block industry remained untouched. A worker at the site, who requested anonymity, said, “When I arrived this morning, I saw the damage, but nothing happened to our side.”
