A fuel tanker exploded on Tuesday along the Ibadan Expressway in Oyo State, causing a major traffic gridlock and sparking a large-scale emergency response.
The incident occurred between the Oremeji and Olorunsogo axis, near Sumurah, leading to panic among motorists and residents as thick black smoke and flames engulfed the area.
As of press time, no casualties had been reported. However, the fire was still raging late into the day as emergency responders battled to bring it under control.
The Oyo State Fire Service responded swiftly to the incident. The agency’s General Manager, Akinyemi Akinyinka, confirmed the deployment of firefighting personnel to the scene.
“Yes, a tanker is on fire near Sumurah, between Olorunsogo and Oremeji. Our response team is already at the scene,” Akinyinka said in a telephone interview on Tuesday.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by intense flames that rapidly spread, prompting motorists to abandon their vehicles and flee to safety. The resulting traffic congestion extended several kilometers in both directions, paralyzing movement on the usually busy expressway.
Authorities have urged road users to avoid the affected area and seek alternative routes while firefighting efforts continue.
The cause of the explosion had not been confirmed at the time of filing this report.
...For the latest news update, Subscribe to our Whatsapp Channel (Click Here) and join our Telegram Update Group (Click Here)
You can also advertise your Product and Services on our page for more patronage
Contact us today by sending your Stories, Articles, Events, and Eyewitness Reports for publications as well as products and services for advertisement to westerndailies2018@gmail.com or WhatsApp (+2348058448531) for more information
