Fire Engulfs Ogun Community, Sparks Widespread Panic
A petrol tanker explosion early Wednesday morning along the Ibafo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway caused widespread destruction, leaving vehicles, houses, and livestock worth millions of naira in ruins. The incident also left several individuals injured and sparked panic among residents.
According to an Eon TV correspondent at the scene, the fire erupted after the tanker, heavily loaded with petrol, overturned in front of a commercial bank near the expressway. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver, suspected to have fallen asleep at the wheel, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to tip over and spill its contents, which later ignited.
The spilled fuel spread through a drainage system, reaching a nearby community about one kilometer from the accident site. The fire caused significant damage, with multiple buildings suffering shattered windows, damaged roofs, and cracked walls.
Wasiu, an eyewitness, attributed the incident to reckless driving. “The tanker was swaying before it fell, spilling fuel into the drainage. At first, there was no fire, and some hoodlums started scooping the petrol. But after a few minutes, fire erupted from the other side of the expressway, spreading rapidly. Four tipper trucks parked at Osadol Fuel Station were destroyed, and the fire extended into the nearby community.”
Tunde Adewumi, a resident of the affected area, recounted the panic the fire caused, especially since many people were asleep when it spread. “Thank God the drainage was in place; otherwise, the damage could have been worse. Three people sustained injuries, and several houses near the end of the drainage system were affected.”
In a phone conversation with Eon TV, Ogun State Police Command spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident. She stated that the tanker driver, whose name and address remain unknown, sustained injuries and was transported to Real Divine Touch Hospital in Ibafo for treatment.
“The incident involved a Fiat truck carrying petrol. The driver lost control of the steering and collided with a roadside curb, causing the tanker to overturn and ignite. The fire spread to Osadol Petrol Station, damaging two trucks parked outside. Although the fire service was called, community members and police officers managed to contain the blaze before their arrival,” Odutola explained.
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