It was a night of sorrow and calamity for Molete residents in Ibadan, after a petrol tanker fell and caught fire immediately, under the bridge, reportedly claiming many lives, including that of a mother with her two children.

The inferno, which started at about 9:45 p.m., also left scores of people injured while destroying vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles, and some buildings in the vicinity.

An eye witness told News Express that the tanker was coming from Challenge area of the town and that the driver was shouting aloud to alert people of brake failure, before the tanker finally fell, spilled its content and caught fire immediately.

Many passers-by and people who were waiting to board cabs under the famous Molete Bridge cried for help as they were attacked by tongues of fire.

The timely arrival of men of the Oyo State Fire Service (OSFS), who bravely battled to arrest the fire, prevented it from spreading further.

News Express learnt that those injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment while the dead are being evacuated for deposition in the mortuaries.

•Photo by Mayowa Okekale shows the raging Molete Bridge fire.