A petrol-laden tanker exploded in Ibadan on Thursday evening, causing panic and damaging multiple vehicles, though no lives were lost in the incident.
The explosion occurred at Celica Junction along the new Ife Expressway in the Oyo State capital. The tanker, carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), reportedly suffered brake failure, which led to a collision and subsequent fire outbreak.
Eyewitnesses at the scene stated that the tanker lost control, hit a Prado SUV and another vehicle before toppling over and catching fire.
“The tanker collided with two cars and then exploded. It was a terrifying scene,” one witness recounted.
Officials from the Oyo State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service responded swiftly to contain the blaze. The fire was successfully prevented from spreading to nearby structures, including a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) filling station located close to the scene.
Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident and praised the prompt response of emergency services.
“The report came in at exactly 6:27 p.m. Our officers, in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service, applied chemical foam compound to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage,” Akinwande said.
He noted that while no fatalities or serious injuries were recorded, the tanker and a car were damaged by the flames, and the Prado SUV was pushed into a nearby gutter during the crash.
The situation has since been brought under control, and traffic along the affected stretch has resumed under the supervision of relevant authorities.
