An articulated truck (tanker) laden with automotive gas oil (AGO), popularly referred to as diesel, lost control, crashing into the road concrete median and burst into flames.

The incident which happened in Boji Boji, Agbor metropolis, Delta State on Sunday led to the death of three persons and fire engulfing two banks, several shops and cars.

The unfortunate incident, which occurred at about noon, saw the ever-busy former Mobil Traffic Light Area thrown into serious panic.

Eyewitnesses say it took the intervention of the Chairmen of Ika North East Local Government Area, Hon. Hunkamma Monday Odigwe and his Ika South counterpart, Hon. Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, and a combined team of the security agencies in the two Local Government Areas to mobilise the fire-fighting service in Agbor, Issele Ukwu, and Asaba and the teaming public-spirited individuals to put out the inferno which lasted more than three hours.

Hon. Odigwe, while speaking during an interview, expressed sadness over the incident, praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives. He also used the opportunity to urge motorists to always ensure that their vehicles were in order before putting them on the road. Other road users were not left out as the council boss admonished them on obeying road traffic rules at all times.

First Bank Agbor and Access Bank Agbor buildings were among the buildings torched by the fire. The identities of the casualties of the midday inferno were yet to be identified as at press time.