Petrol Tanker Explosion Rocks Ibadan, No Casualties Reported.
A dramatic explosion shook Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Thursday evening when a petroleum tanker carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, caught fire at Celica Junction on the New Ife Expressway. The incident, attributed to brake failure, caused significant damage to nearby vehicles but, remarkably, resulted in no loss of life.
According to eyewitnesses, the tanker lost control due to the mechanical fault, colliding with a Prado jeep and another car. The impact caused the tanker to overturn, sparking a blaze that engulfed the vehicles involved. The fire spread rapidly, creating panic among residents and motorists in the vicinity. Despite the intensity of the inferno, swift action by the Oyo State Fire Service prevented the flames from reaching a nearby Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) petrol station and surrounding properties.
Hon Maroof Akinwande, Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, confirmed the incident, stating that the emergency call was received at 18:27 hrs. Firefighters promptly deployed chemical foam to contain the blaze, ensuring it did not spread further. “Our team acted swiftly to bring the situation under control, and we are relieved to report no casualties,” Akinwande said in a statement.
The explosion caused significant disruption to traffic along the New Ife Expressway, with authorities diverting vehicles to alternative routes while the fire was being tackled. The affected vehicles, including the Prado jeep and another car, were severely damaged, but all occupants reportedly escaped unharmed.
Local residents expressed relief at the absence of fatalities but voiced concerns about the recurring issue of tanker accidents in the region. “It’s terrifying to see such incidents happen so close to home,” said Tunde Adebayo, a shop owner near Celica Junction. “The government needs to address the state of our roads and enforce stricter regulations for these tankers.”
The incident has reignited discussions about road safety in Nigeria, particularly regarding the transportation of flammable materials. Authorities have yet to release a full report on the cause of the brake failure, but investigations are underway to prevent future occurrences.
For now, Ibadan residents are breathing a sigh of relief that the disaster did not claim lives, thanks to the rapid response of the fire service. The event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by transporting large quantities of fuel through densely populated areas, prompting calls for improved safety measures and infrastructure upgrades.
