In the early hours of Wednesday, a tragic incident occurred in Ibadan as a petrol-laden tanker exploded, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to the vehicle’s assistant. The explosion took place around 2:45 a.m. near Fijabi House, Agbowo, along the Ojoo-Iwo Road Expressway.
According to the General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Yemi Akinyinka, the tanker lost control, collided with two other trucks, somersaulted into a nearby pit, and subsequently burst into flames. The driver was unfortunately burnt to death, while the motor boy sustained injuries and was promptly taken to the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan for treatment.
Firefighters from the Oyo State Fire Service, led by Director of Operations Ismail Adeleke, responded swiftly to the distress call. They managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby residential areas. The prompt intervention also ensured that the other two trucks involved were rescued from the fire.
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by relevant authorities. Residents and motorists are advised to exercise caution when navigating the area, as cleanup and safety assessments are ongoing.
This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures for vehicles transporting hazardous materials to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.
