A fuel-laden tanker carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, crashed and erupted into flames on Monday morning in Iseyin, Oyo State. The incident occurred near NICO Farm, along the busy Iseyin-Oyo Road, triggering panic and disrupting vehicular movement.

Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker, bearing Lagos registration number LM62XP, lost control while in motion, somersaulted into a ditch, and immediately caught fire. The dramatic scene drew the attention of residents, commuters, and emergency officials, as the fire threatened to escalate into a full-scale explosion.

Fire Service Moves Quickly to Contain Blaze

The Oyo State Fire Service received an emergency alert at exactly 10:46 a.m. on June 23, 2025. According to the Chairman of the agency, Hon. Maroof Akinwande, fire officers were deployed to the scene within minutes. Led by Principal Fire Superintendent 1 (PFS1) Azeez, the team arrived at the site and initiated firefighting operations using chemical foam compounds to suppress the flames.

Despite the highly flammable nature of the product, the firefighters successfully contained the blaze, prevented an explosion, and ensured that the fire did not spread to surrounding structures or vehicles. By acting swiftly and decisively, the team restored safety and reopened the road to traffic within a short period.

No Casualties, But Alarm Over Rising Incidents

While no injuries or fatalities were recorded in the Iseyin incident, the crash has added to growing concerns over the frequency of fuel tanker accidents in Oyo State and across Nigeria. This latest mishap mirrors a worrying trend of road disasters involving petroleum-laden trucks, many of which result in devastating fires, environmental pollution, or loss of lives.

Experts say Nigeria’s road infrastructure, lax enforcement of haulage regulations, and poor vehicle maintenance contribute significantly to these recurring incidents.

A Pattern of Tanker-Related Emergencies in Oyo

Oyo State has witnessed several tanker-related emergencies in recent months. In March 2025, a similar crash occurred on the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway, where a 50,000-litre PMS tanker lost control and spilled its content. Fire service teams deployed foam chemicals to prevent ignition and potential catastrophe.

In May, another tanker overturned along the same expressway, again triggering a high-risk emergency response. Earlier this year, a smaller fuel tanker caught fire near Aduloju area in Ibadan, which firefighters also managed to extinguish before it spread.

Authorities have documented at least 10 fuel tanker incidents in Oyo State in the first half of 2025 alone—indicating an urgent need for reforms in road safety and petroleum transportation.

Possible Causes Behind Monday’s Crash

Although a formal investigation has yet to be concluded, initial reports suggest that the driver of the ill-fated tanker may have lost control due to mechanical failure or excessive speed. Road users described how the tanker swerved, toppled, and exploded into flames within seconds of impact.

Experts continue to warn that many fuel trucks operating in Nigeria lack proper maintenance and are often driven by individuals who work long hours with little rest. Combined with deteriorating road conditions and inadequate signage, these factors create a perfect storm for tragic accidents.

Community Risks and Dangerous Behaviors

Tanker crashes often pose significant dangers not only because of the potential fire hazard, but also due to the risky behavior of nearby residents. In several past incidents, locals rushed to collect spilled petrol, unaware of the life-threatening risks. Such actions have led to deadly explosions, including a 2024 tragedy in Jigawa State where over 140 people perished when spilled fuel ignited while being scooped.

Fortunately, in Monday’s Iseyin crash, bystanders kept their distance, allowing fire crews to perform their work without obstruction. However, officials remain concerned about public ignorance of the dangers posed by tanker accidents.

Fire Officials Issue Fresh Safety Warnings

In response to the incident, the Oyo State Fire Service issued renewed warnings to the public. Chairman Maroof Akinwande urged drivers, particularly those handling hazardous materials, to prioritize safety, perform regular vehicle checks, and avoid fatigue while on long-distance journeys.

He also called on communities to report accidents immediately and avoid approaching or attempting to collect fuel from spilled tankers. According to Akinwande, “Our firefighters are trained to respond rapidly to high-risk emergencies, but public cooperation is critical to saving lives and protecting property.”

A Growing Call for Government Intervention

The increasing number of tanker accidents has sparked calls for more proactive government intervention. Safety advocates are pushing for stronger regulations, mandatory safety audits for all fuel haulage vehicles, and stricter enforcement by road traffic agencies.

Transport analysts are also calling on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify driver training, conduct nationwide fitness tests for petroleum tankers, and improve monitoring systems on high-risk routes.

Environmental Concerns Over Spilled PMS

Beyond the immediate fire risk, incidents like the one in Iseyin have long-term environmental implications. PMS seeping into the ground can contaminate soil and nearby water bodies, threatening both public health and ecosystems.

Environmental experts emphasize the need for post-crash cleanup operations, including decontamination, proper drainage management, and rehabilitation of the affected site to prevent further harm.

Oyo’s History With Tanker Disasters

Monday’s event adds to Oyo State’s troubled history with petrol tanker disasters. In 2000, a tanker explosion in Ibadan’s Apata area killed scores of residents and destroyed nearby buildings. In 2018, another crash involving a fuel-laden truck led to a massive fire along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, shutting down traffic for hours and injuring several people.

These events underscore the critical importance of preventive safety measures and coordinated emergency response systems.

Conclusion: From Emergency Response to Sustainable Reform

The successful response to the Iseyin petrol tanker fire demonstrates the preparedness and professionalism of the Oyo State Fire Service. However, the rising frequency of similar incidents across the state calls for more than reactive measures. Authorities, transport unions, private operators, and community members must work together to promote a culture of safety on Nigerian roads.

Without immediate reforms, stricter enforcement, and public education, Nigeria risks seeing even more tragic events unfold on its highways. The Iseyin incident serves as both a warning and an opportunity—to move from reactive firefighting to a national strategy focused on prevention, safety, and sustainable fuel transport.