Fuel Tanker Explosion Claims Lives, Destroys Property on Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway
A tragic fuel tanker explosion occurred in the early hours of Friday along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State, leaving several people feared dead and properties destroyed.
The spokesperson of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed that the accident happened around 1:00 a.m. when a 33,000-litre petrol tanker overturned after reportedly speeding and losing control. The crash led to a massive fire outbreak that spread across the expressway.
According to Akinbiyi, the blaze also consumed a truck and a tow vehicle parked by the roadside, while damaging a power line belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), cutting electricity supply to parts of Mowe and nearby communities.
Emergency teams, including TRACE, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Police, Ogun State Fire Service, Amotekun, the NSCDC, and the Nestlé Fire Service, responded swiftly to contain the inferno and begin rescue operations. He explained that casualty figures were yet to be determined as rescue and decantation operations were still ongoing.
To ease movement along the busy corridor, traffic has been diverted to a single lane. Motorists were urged to remain calm and cooperate with officials managing the situation.
“The motoring public should exercise patience and comply with diversion measures put in place by security and emergency agencies. We deeply regret the inconveniences caused by this unfortunate incident,” Akinbiyi stated.
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