Another petrol tanker explodes on Lagos-Ibadan expressway, many vehicles, houses burnt

Another petrol tanker explodes on Lagos-Ibadan expressway, many vehicles, houses burnt

A devastating fire broke out along the Ibafo area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State early Wednesday, leaving many injured and causing extensive damage to vehicles, homes, and livestock.

The incident occurred when a petrol tanker overturned near a commercial bank, igniting a massive fire that spread quickly through the area.

Eyewitnesses reported that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, resulting in a loss of control and the tanker’s fall, which triggered the explosion.

The petrol spill from the overturned tanker flowed into a nearby drainage system, extending the fire to a community about a kilometer away.

Vehicles worth millions of naira were destroyed, and houses were engulfed in flames, leaving residents and property owners counting their losses.

A witness identified as Wasiu who reported attributed the incident to reckless driving was quoted as saying, “I saw the tanker swaying before it fell and spilled its contents into the drainage. It didn’t ignite right away, as some people began scooping up the fuel.

“However, after a few minutes, a fire broke out from the other side of the expressway and quickly escalated. Four tipper trucks parked at the Osadol Fuel Station were destroyed, and the fire spread into the nearby community.”

Another resident of the area identified as Tunde Adewumi, said that many people in the area were asleep when the fire reached them.

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Adewumi said, “It was a serious incident, but thankfully the drainage was there; otherwise, the damage would have been much worse.

“The fire injured about three people and damaged several buildings, particularly affecting those living near the drainage’s end.”

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, said that the tanker driver was injured and taken to the hospital.

The police spokesperson said, “The incident involved a Fiat truck, but we don’t have the driver’s name or address yet.

“It occurred when the driver lost control and collided with the roadside curb, causing the tanker to overturn and ignite. The fire then spread to the truck and eventually engulfed it.

“Additionally, the flames reached the Osadol Petrol Station, damaging two trucks parked outside.

“The fire service was contacted, but local community members and police officers managed to contain it while waiting for their arrival.

“The truck driver has been taken to Real Divine Touch Hospital in Ibafo for medical treatment.”

Platinumpost had reported that a devastating petrol tanker explosion occurred late Tuesday night along the Kano-Hadejia expressway in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, resulting in numerous casualties.

Reports from Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, indicate that the explosion began around 11:45 PM and continued until approximately 3:15 AM on Wednesday.

The blast ignited a massive fire that has tragically claimed many lives and left at least 300 individuals severely injured.

Another petrol tanker explodes on Lagos-Ibadan expressway, many vehicles, houses burnt