An unconfirmed number of persons have lost their lives in a tanker fire accident that occurred at midnight along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the development, noting that the fire began at about 1 a.m. on Friday.
In a statement, Akinbiyi said, “The case of an inferno caused by a 30,000-litre fuel-laden tanker which fell on its side and spilled its contents around 0100hrs today.”
The incident was said to have occurred “along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange stretch of the PMB Expressway, due to excessive speed and loss of control”.
“The effect of the unfortunate incident also extended to the burning of a truck and a tow vehicle along the roadside, as well as the destruction of a PHCN cable supplying electricity to Mowe and environs,” Akinbiyi said.
The statement added that “though the casualty figures cannot be ascertained presently, rescue and emergency services made up of TRACE, Ogun State and Nestlé PLC Fire Service, FRSC, and the Police are still on the ground to restore normalcy and orderliness after quenching the fire and carrying out the decantation process.”
“The general public, particularly the motoring public on transit along the route, is implored to be calm, patient, and cooperate with the diversion and re-routing of traffic put in place by TRACE, Police, Ogun State Fire Service, FRSC, Amotekun, and the NSCDC,” Akinbiyi added.
He further noted that “any inconveniences as a result of this unfortunate incident are highly regretted.”
In October 2024, at least 160 people reportedly lost their lives and more than 100 others were injured following a catastrophic tanker explosion in Majiya Village, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The tragedy occurred when a fuel-laden tanker crashed, triggering a massive explosion. Eyewitnesses reported that villagers had gathered to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker when the blast ignited.
The ensuing fireball devastated the area, leaving numerous victims with severe injuries and causing multiple fatalities.
Sahara Reporters
