A major fuel tanker explosion on Tuesday morning brought Ibadan to a standstill, creating massive gridlock and sending thick plumes of smoke into the air along the busy expressway.
The incident occurred between the Oremeji and Olorunsogo areas, with the resulting fire causing panic among residents and commuters. While no deaths have been confirmed, emergency services are still battling the raging inferno as of press time.
Oyo State Fire Service General Manager Akinyemi Akinyinka confirmed the crisis, telling reporters: “Yes, a tanker is on fire near Sumurah, between Olorunsogo and Oremeji. Our response team is already at the scene working to control the situation.”
The explosion has completely paralyzed movement on the critical transport route, with traffic backed up for kilometers. Transport authorities are advising motorists to avoid the area entirely and use alternative roads until the situation is brought under control.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud blast before seeing flames engulf the tanker. Firefighters are working to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings and businesses along the corridor.
This marks the latest in a series of dangerous tanker incidents on Nigerian roads, coming just months after a fatal explosion in Abuja claimed 10 lives.