Petrol Tanker Fire Causes Panic Along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

A devastating fire incident occurred early Wednesday morning along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

A petrol tanker overturned and spilled its contents into a nearby drainage system, triggering a massive blaze that destroyed vehicles, houses, and animals, and left residents in a state of panic.

According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the tanker fell asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to sway and eventually fall and the petrol spill caught fire, engulfing nearby buildings and vehicles.

Some hoodlums were seen scooping fuel from the spill before the fire escalated.

“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, as some hoodlums had started scooping the fuel,” said Wasiu, an eyewitness.

The fire damaged several buildings, shattered windows, and cracked walls.

Four tipper trucks parked at Osadol Fuel Station were destroyed. At least three people sustained injuries, and the tanker driver was hospitalized.

Omolola Odutola, spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, confirmed the incident, stating that the driver lost control of the steering and collided with the roadside curb.

The fire spread to the petrol station and nearby community.

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“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,” Odutola said.

Community members and police officers managed to bring the fire under control before the fire service arrived.

The incident has left residents shaken, with many calling for improved safety measures to prevent such incidents.

A resident of the affected community, Tunde Adewumi, 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 fire injured about three people and damaged buildings. Those affected were mostly people living close to where the drainage construction ends,” he said.

The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident.

The command urged residents to remain calm and assured that measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents.