Three persons reportedly died while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, as a fuel tanker exploded and caught fire at the early hours of Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

The inferno which involved a 33,000-fuel laden tanker, was reportedly due to a break failure.

Eyeswitness' account reveals that the tanker which was coming from Sagamu-Siun-Oke-Mosan Road, climbed the overhead bridge but suddenly lost control while descending from the bridge .

The tanker was said to have hit a motorcycle which was in motion and rammed into some commercial vehicles waiting for passengers at the end of the bridge.

Nigerian Newstrack reports that the fire incident that started at about 8:00 am along the popular IBB Boulevard, Kuto-Oke-Ilewo road where the a Private School and the  Guaranty Trust Bank, GTB are located also got Five vehicles and two motorcycles burnt.

The fire which was spreading around the place caused panic as many motorists started making reverse to avoid being caught up in the inferno.

Commissioner for Special Duties  Barrister Femi Ogunbanwo who was at the scene said the rescued victims have been taken to the hospital and are been treated.

He also assured that the incident will be thoroughly investigated to ascertain the cause, to avert a re-occurrence.