Tanker Fire on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Leaves Many Injured, Destroys Vehicles and Homes

A devastating fire broke out along the Ibafo section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State during the early hours of Wednesday, leaving several people injured and causing extensive damage to vehicles and houses. The fire started when a petrol-laden tanker overturned in front of a commercial bank, sparking an explosion that led to widespread destruction.

According to eyewitnesses, the tanker, which was carrying petrol, overturned after the driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel, losing control and causing the vehicle to spill its contents. The petrol flowed through a drainage system, reaching a nearby community about a kilometer away, before igniting.

A witness named Wasiu attributed the incident to reckless driving, stating, “I saw the tanker swaying before it fell and spilled its contents into the drainage. People began scooping fuel, but minutes later, the fire broke out and spread rapidly. Four tipper trucks parked at the Osadol Fuel Station were destroyed, and the fire extended into the nearby community.”

Another local resident, Tunde Adewumi, noted that many people were asleep when the fire reached their homes, causing significant damage. “It was a serious incident, but thankfully the drainage helped limit the damage. Otherwise, the destruction would have been far worse,” Adewumi said. He added that several buildings were affected, particularly those near the drainage’s end.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident and reported that the tanker driver, who was injured in the crash, had been taken to Real Divine Touch Hospital in Ibafo for treatment. “The fire was caused by the tanker losing control and colliding with the roadside curb. The flames eventually reached the Osadol Petrol Station, damaging two parked trucks,” Odutola stated. Local community members and police officers managed to contain the fire before the arrival of the fire service.

The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by tanker accidents, with the fire causing injuries, significant property damage, and losses worth millions of naira.