Many Feared Dead In Ogun Tanker Explosion On Abeokuta Expressway

Several people are feared dead after a petrol tanker went up in flames at midnight along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State.

The incident, which happened around 1 a.m. on Friday, was confirmed by Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE).

Akinbiyi explained that a 33,000-litre fuel tanker, reportedly speeding, lost control and overturned, spilling its contents across the highway.

He said that the spillage quickly ignited, sparking a massive fire that spread to nearby vehicles and power lines.

According to him, the fire destroyed a truck and a tow vehicle parked by the roadside and also burnt down a major electricity cable supplying power to Mowe and its surrounding areas.

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, along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange stretch of the PMB Expressway, due to excessive speed and loss of control, has been reported.

“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.

“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.”

He added that due to the ongoing rescue efforts, traffic within the corridor has been diverted to a single lane.

The TRACE spokesperson said the number of casualties has yet to be confirmed as rescue efforts are still ongoing.

Akinbiyi appealed to motorists plying the route to remain calm and cooperate with diversions put in place by security and safety agencies.

“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.

“However, any inconveniences as a result of this unfortunate incident are highly regretted,” Akinbiyi concluded.

KanyiDaily recently reported how twelve people, including four children, lost their lives after a gas tanker crashed into a bus along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.