Tragedy struck in Ibadan as a petrol-laden tanker exploded in the early hours of Wednesday, claiming the life of the driver and injuring one other person.
The General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident in a statement. He revealed that the tanker lost control, collided with two other trucks, and toppled into a pit before erupting in flames.
According to Akinyinka, the fire was reported at about 2:45 a.m. through a distress call. Firefighters swiftly arrived at the scene, located near Fijabi House, Agbowo, along the Ojoo-Iwo Road Expressway, to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby residential buildings.
“Three trucks parked about 20 meters apart were affected. Unfortunately, the driver of the tanker was burnt beyond recognition, while the motor boy was rescued alive and rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for treatment,” Akinyinka said.
He also noted that although the tanker was completely destroyed, quick intervention helped save the other two trucks. Personnel from the fire service, led by the agency’s director of operations, Ismail Adeleke, worked alongside police officers and other security agents to ensure order was maintained at the scene.
This latest explosion follows a similar incident last Saturday in Niger State, where a tanker explosion in Gurara Local Government Area claimed dozens of lives. According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the death toll from that tragic event has risen to 98, with many victims reportedly gathered to scoop fuel when the tanker ignited.
