Residents of Akure were on Saturday morning thrown into panic after a truck loaded with dynamite exploded on the Akure-Owo highway, destroying a school, church and some houses.
The explosion cut the highway in two, though no casualties were reported.
Ondo police commissioner, Undie Adie, told newsmen at the scene of the incident that the truck was carrying dynamite for a quarry company.
Mr Adie, who said that the consignment was duly escorted by personnel of the police Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD), added that the vehicle developed a fault and exploded on the road.
“The truck was coming from Lagos State to Edo State; unfortunately along the road, their vehicle developed a fault and the driver noticed it,” he said.
“In fact from the explanation of the escort commander, they had to try to move it away from where there were houses.
“When they parked and came out and noticed there was smoke coming out from the engine, the driver’s effort to put it off was not possible and fire broke out.”
The commissioner said the police escort had to deploy the standard professional drill in handling the incident.
“We thank God that this area houses a church and school; fortunately the school, because of the closure, had no student.
“But we have commenced investigation and I have called the managing director of the company who was to receive the consignment,” he said.
Adie admonished residents of the area to stay far away from the scene of the incident to avoid unnecessary accidents.
He said that personnel of the EOD in the command had been on the ground since the incident occurred to cordon the area.
Commander of 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Brig.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar, urged residents to remain calm, saying the security agencies were on top of the situation.
State Commander of FRSC, Rotimi Adeleye, said that men of the command had been deployed on the road to ensure order on the highway.
He said that an alternative road had been provided for motorists.
