Scores escape death, six vehicles burnt in Ibadan fuel tanker explosion

Scores escape death, six vehicles burnt in Ibadan fuel tanker explosion

Score of commuters narrowly escaped death in Ibadan Saturday evening when a loaded petrol tanker exploded, with the fire claiming two articulated trucks, one 18-seater bus, two small commercial cabs (Micra), a tricycle and three motorcycles.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the incident occurred at 4.45pm at Iyana-Ajia along Ibadan-Ife Road.

The fully loaded tanker was said to have caught fire while its driver was attempting to switch lanes due to an ongoing road construction in the area.

The fire quickly spread, causing a devastating explosion.

General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services, Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the accident.
The situation caused a gridlock on the road and motorists with commuters were stranded for several hours.

Miraculously, no casualties were reported as the occupants of the affected vehicles and motorcycles managed to flee just in time.

Eyewitness, Biodun Ayoola, explained that ongoing construction of a pedestrian bridge at Ajia Junction warranted the closure of one lane, forcing all vehicles to divert to the other.

The tanker was still burning, while other affected vehicles have been turned to ashes as of the time filing this report Saturday night.

The Federal Fire Service and security agencies were around to put the situation under control.