A devastating fire early Wednesday morning along the Ibafo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has left several vehicles, homes, and properties in ruins, causing millions of naira in damages.
The fire was triggered by a petrol tanker explosion, which also left several residents injured.
The incident occurred when a tanker loaded with petrol overturned in front of a commercial bank near Ibafo. Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker driver, believed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, lost control, causing the tanker to spill its contents. Shortly after, the fuel ignited, leading to a massive fire that engulfed vehicles and buildings in the area.
Eyewitness Wasiu recounted the moments leading up to the explosion. “The tanker was swaying before it fell, spilling petrol into the drainage. Some hoodlums started scooping the fuel, but minutes later, fire erupted from the other side of the expressway, destroying everything in its path,” he said. Four tipper trucks parked at Osadol Fuel Station were completely burnt, and the fire spread into the nearby community.
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The fire traveled through a drainage system, reaching homes about a kilometer away from the expressway, damaging buildings and causing widespread panic. Windows were shattered, roofs damaged, and walls cracked from the impact of the fire.
Tunde Adewumi, a resident of the affected community, described the chaos that ensued. “Many of us were still asleep when the fire spread. It was a serious situation, but thankfully, the drainage system helped reduce the damage. Around three people were injured, and several homes suffered extensive damage,” he explained.
Confirming the incident, Ogun State Police Command spokesperson Omolola Odutola revealed that the tanker driver sustained injuries and was taken to Real Divine Touch Hospital in Ibafo for treatment. She noted that the fire had also spread to the Osadol Petrol Station, where it destroyed two additional trucks parked outside.
While emergency services were contacted, community members and police officers managed to control the blaze before their arrival. Investigations are ongoing to assess the full scale of the damage caused by the fire.
