•The deadly fire incident on Otedola bridge
Business owners and residents of CMD Road around Otedola Bridge, Lagos, who were affected by the unfortunate fire incident of Tuesday last week have cried out over alleged inhuman treatment and disregard for their losses, especially the death of over 10 people.
They accused a popular gas company, whose truck caused the accident, of insensitivity as it was claimed that it has failed to sympathise with them or even share in their losses, but has rather, continued to carry out business activities.
It was gathered that the company has not deemed it proper to visit the family members of the deceased to commiserate with them since the unfortunate incident happened, reports Daily Independent.
The incident, it was learnt, will be the third one in which human lives and property were lost to fire caused by the trucks of the organisation.
It was also revealed that the rickety nature of most of the trucks carrying flammable substances being sold by the company, has been responsible for the avoidable disaster.
A mechanic close to the site of the inferno disclosed that the company has resumed full operation after the incident without showing empathy with the victims, who lost property and has also allegedly failed to locate and sympathise with the families of those who lost their loved ones to the incident.
Investigations showed that the owner of the company has allegedly been boasting that he is well connected and that no one can prevent his company from operating.
A visit to the company on Tuesday showed that the company is in full operation with customers patronising them.
At the site of the inferno, the remains of burnt vehicles were seen, while discussions centered around the inhuman action of the management of the company.
The company situated at CMD Road, has become a beehive of activities as other businesses around there have continued.
A trader in the area, Adewale Morufu, said: “This is sad, we lost vehicles and over 10 lives here, yet no sympathy from the company, whose vehicle caused the incident.
“The Lagos State Government has also not done anything about it, which is a signal that our lives mean nothing to them.
“This is a state that is regarded as the Center of Excellence, but the state has not done well in this situation.”
He added: “It’s our prayer that God will grant the departed souls eternal rest. We want to use this opportunity to call on the state government to come to the aid of those who lost their family members and those who lost their valuables.”
However, when calls were made to the number on the banner of the company, the receiver said that he was not competent to speak on the matter as he was just a customer care officer with the organisation.
