A fire incident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State has left many individuals injured and caused significant destruction to vehicles and homes in the Ibafo area. This unfortunate event unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, triggered by an overturned petrol tanker.
According to reports, the fire ignited after a petrol tanker, fully loaded with fuel, toppled in front of a commercial bank situated along the expressway. Witnesses suggested that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, which resulted in losing control and the tanker’s eventual fall, leading to an explosion.
As the petrol leaked, it flowed into a nearby drainage system, affecting a community located about a kilometer away from the accident site. One witness, identified as Wasiu, recounted the events, stating, “I observed the tanker swaying before it fell and spilled its contents. Initially, it did not ignite right away, and some individuals began scooping up the fuel.”
Wasiu further noted, “However, within minutes, a fire erupted from the opposite side of the expressway, rapidly escalating. Four tipper trucks parked at the Osadol Fuel Station were destroyed, and the flames spread into the nearby community.”
Another resident, Tunde Adewumi, reported that many people were asleep when the fire reached their vicinity. He commented, “It was a serious incident, but thankfully, the drainage system was there; otherwise, the damage would have been much worse. About three people sustained injuries, and several buildings were damaged, particularly those near the drainage outlet.”
Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident, stating that the tanker driver was injured and subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment.
The police spokesperson elaborated, “The incident involved a Fiat truck, but we are still awaiting the driver’s name and address. It occurred when the driver lost control and collided with the roadside curb, which caused the tanker to overturn and ignite. The flames spread to the truck and eventually engulfed it.”
Odutola also noted that the fire reached the Osadol Petrol Station, resulting in damage to two trucks parked outside. While the fire service was notified, local community members and police officers were able to contain the flames until professional assistance arrived. The injured driver has since been taken to Real Divine Touch Hospital in Ibafo for medical care.
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