By Peace Udugba
Tragedy struck in the early hours of Friday along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State, as an unconfirmed number of people lost their lives in a tanker explosion.
According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, the fire started around 1:00 am after a 33,000-litre petrol-laden tanker overturned due to excessive speeding and spilled its contents on the road.
He said the impact of the fall triggered a massive fire outbreak, which spread to nearby vehicles and electric poles.
Akinbiyi noted, “The incident, which occurred around 1:00 am along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange section of the PMB Expressway, was caused by excessive speed and loss of control, resulting in the tanker falling on its side and spilling fuel.”
He added that the blaze also consumed a truck and a tow vehicle parked nearby and damaged PHCN cables supplying electricity to Mowe and surrounding areas.
Although the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed, rescue and emergency teams comprising TRACE, Ogun State and Nestlé PLC Fire Services, the FRSC, and the Police remain on the scene to restore order after extinguishing the fire and completing the decantation process.
Akinbiyi added that traffic on the affected route has been reduced to a single lane due to ongoing operations, and urged motorists to cooperate with emergency responders.
“The general public, especially motorists along the corridor, is advised to remain calm, patient, and cooperate with the traffic diversion and re-routing measures put in place by TRACE, the Police, Ogun State Fire Service, FRSC, Amotekun, and the NSCDC.
“We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused by this unfortunate incident,” he added.
