A fully loaded diesel tanker overturned and exploded on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday causing panic among commuters and leading to a massive inferno that engulfed several vehicles.
The incident occurred near the NASFAT (Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society) area of the expressway, a known religious and residential zone that experiences heavy vehicular movement during peak hours.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker lost control thus tipping over before bursting into flames.
Several vehicles, including private cars and commercial buses, were caught in the blaze.
Emergency responders from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Fire Service, and other first responders arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion to manage the situation and prevent further escalation.
A motorist, who narrowly escaped the flames, described the scene as “terrifying,” noting that thick black smoke rose into the sky as people fled in different directions.
“There was a loud explosion, followed by fire that spread so fast. I thank God I wasn’t too close,” he said.
Traffic in the area has been severely disrupted, with hundreds of vehicles stranded in a gridlock stretching for kilometers.
Authorities have advised motorists to use alternative routes, while fire service officials continue efforts to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings and bush areas.
As of the time of filing this report, no casualties have been officially confirmed.
An official statement is expected soon from the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) and other emergency agencies coordinating the operation.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a critical transport artery in Nigeria, has seen repeated cases of tanker accidents due to a combination of high traffic volume, and inadequate regulation of heavy-duty vehicles.
Motorists and residents are urged to remain calm and follow safety directives as emergency operations continue.
