A deadly explosion occurred in the early hours of Friday when a petrol-laden tanker overturned and burst into flames along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway, leaving an unconfirmed number of casualties and widespread damage in its wake.

The incident, which happened around 1:00 a.m., was confirmed by Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE).

According to initial reports, the tanker, carrying approximately 33,000 litres of petrol, was travelling at high speed when the driver lost control. The vehicle overturned and spilled its contents, resulting in a massive inferno.

“The case of an inferno caused by a 30,000-litre fuel-laden tanker which fell on its side and spilt its contents… due to excessive speed and loss of control, has been reported,” Akinbiyi said.

Nearby Vehicles and Infrastructure Affected

The fire spread rapidly, igniting surrounding vehicles and damaging critical infrastructure.

Akinbiyi confirmed that a truck and a tow vehicle parked along the roadside were consumed by the flames. A PHCN power cable, responsible for supplying electricity to Mowe and nearby communities, was also destroyed.

Emergency services, including the Ogun State Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nestlé Fire Service, were deployed to the scene to extinguish the fire and initiate decantation procedures to prevent further explosions.

Casualties Unconfirmed, Traffic Diverted

While the number of casualties has yet to be confirmed, rescue operations remain ongoing. Authorities are working to restore normalcy in the area and have implemented a temporary diversion to a single laneto enable emergency personnel to carry out their duties.

“Though the casualty figures cannot be ascertained presently, rescue and emergency services… are still on the ground to restore normalcy and orderliness after quenching the fire,” Akinbiyi stated.

Public Urged to Remain Calm

TRACE has urged motorists and commuters along the route to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic officials as efforts continue to manage the aftermath of the incident.

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“The general public, particularly the motoring public on transit along the route, is implored to be calm, patient, and cooperate with the diversion and re-routing of traffic put in place,” Akinbiyi added. “Any inconveniences as a result of this unfortunate incident are highly regretted.”