Giant crater in Akure after what residents described as earth shattering blast

A giant crater has appeared in Akure, Ondo state after what residents described as an earth shattering explosion. Others residents said it was a bomb blast. The explosion whixh occured around 1am, left several properties destroyed.

https://twitter.com/YemieFash/status/1243791327126568961?s=19

The governor who visited the site of the explosion briefed resident on the finding so far. See tweets below

I have been briefed by the security chiefs that in the early hours of Saturday March 28th, a vehicle in a convoy transporting explosives to a storage facility in a neighbouring state developed a fault while in transit along the Akure Owo Road about 2km from the Akure Airport. pic.twitter.com/3EnmmQBd1E

— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020

Security personnel and other individuals transporting the ordinances noticed smoke from the vehicle. After several attempts to extinguish the resulting fire failed, the vehicle and its consignment ignited causing a massive explosion that was felt in Akure and its environs. pic.twitter.com/LNIb83ZSAf

— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020

Presently, efforts are being made to ascertain if there are casualties. Following my visit to the scene, I have directed that the area be cordoned off to allow the explosive ordinance department/bomb squad to extricate the vehicle buried underground because… pic.twitter.com/aohdC1Rf7C

— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020

…it is unclear if there are still explosives that are yet to be detonated . Everything is under control and I will be updating the public on any new developments.

— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020

We understand that this is taking place in the midst of a global crisis. We ask that everyone continues to stay calm, stay safe and continue to #TakeResponsibility in this #COVID19Nigeria fight. pic.twitter.com/xgHBFd6M75

— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) March 28, 2020