A fuel tanker explosion at the Tollgate area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ibadan destroyed vehicles and shops worth millions of naira. The Saturday afternoon incident caused panic but no fatalities. Firefighters from state and federal services contained the blaze. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause.
A fire outbreak caused by a petrol tanker explosion rocked the Tollgate area along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Saturday, April 12, destroying properties worth millions of naira.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred around 3 p.m. near the Lead City University axis. The tanker said to be loaded with fuel, suddenly caught fire, igniting several nearby vehicles and commercial properties. Business owners and residents within the vicinity were seen scrambling for safety as thick smoke engulfed the area.
Despite the severity of the blaze, no fatalities were recorded. Emergency responders from both the Oyo State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service arrived promptly at the scene, working together to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
Akinyinka Akinyemi, the Oyo State Fire Service boss, confirmed that while the fire had been brought under control, several shops, parked cars, and motorcycles were lost in the inferno. He praised the swift coordination between fire departments, which helped avoid an even greater disaster.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but early indications suggest a mechanical fault may have triggered a spark within the tanker.
This tragic incident follows closely on the heels of another fire outbreak at a local market in Ibadan just a day earlier, compounding the losses for residents and raising fresh concerns about safety standards and emergency preparedness in the area.
Authorities are urging transporters to ensure regular vehicle maintenance to prevent future tragedies.
