Tanker Fire Wreaks Havoc in Ogun, Leaves Trail of Destruction

An early Wednesday morning fire incident along the Ibafo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, triggered by a petrol tanker fire, has destroyed vehicles worth millions of naira, houses, and animals, leaving residents in a state of panic. Several individuals also sustained varying degrees of injuries.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire began when the tanker, loaded with petrol, overturned in front of a commercial bank located along the Ibafo section of the expressway. The driver was suspected to have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing him to lose control, which led to the tanker’s fall and eventual explosion.

National Reports correspondent, observed that the petrol spill passed through a drainage system that led to a community about one kilometre from the expressway. The impact of the fire was evident, with several buildings suffering shattered windows, damaged roofs, and cracked walls.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that hoodlums started scooping fuel from the spilled petrol before the fire struck, escalating the situation.

Wasiu, an eyewitness, attributed the incident to the tanker driver’s reckless driving. “What I saw was that the tanker was swaying before it fell and spilt its contents into the drainage. It didn’t catch fire immediately… However, after a few minutes, fire struck from the other side of the expressway, and it escalated.”

Tunde Adewumi, a resident of the affected community, noted that the fire caused panic as most people were asleep when it spread into the area. “It was a serious incident, but thank God the drainage had been constructed; otherwise, the damage would have been much worse.”

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident, stating that the tanker driver sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital.

“The incident involved a Fiat truck, but the driver’s name and address are currently unknown. The accident occurred when the driver lost control of the steering and collided with the roadside curb. The truck, believed to be carrying petrol, fell over and caught fire. The fire spread to the Osadol Petrol Station, damaging two trucks parked outside. At the time of the incident, the fire service was contacted, but community members and police officers managed to bring the fire under control while awaiting their arrival. The truck driver has been taken to Real Divine Touch Hospital in Ibafo for medical treatment,” Odutola stated.

Incident Details:

– Location: Ibafo axis, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
– Time: Early Wednesday morning
– Cause: Petrol tanker fire triggered by driver’s loss of control
– Damage: Vehicles, houses, animals destroyed; several injuries reported