Tanker Explosion near Toll Gate Ibadan: Motorists and Residents Advised to Avoid Route
Tanker Explosion near Toll Gate Ibadan: Motorists and Residents Advised to Avoid Route
A tanker explosion on Saturday afternoon at Lead City University Road, near the Ibadan Toll Gate, has resulted in the destruction of properties valued in the millions of naira. The incident occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m., leaving shop owners devastated.
Among the businesses affected was a shop that housed computer equipment worth a significant amount. The explosion also incinerated several vehicles and motorcycles parked along the roadway.
Fortunately, there have been no confirmed fatalities associated with the incident. Reports indicate that both the truck driver and his assistant narrowly escaped serious injury.
Firefighters from the Oyo State Fire Service, along with support from the Federal Fire Service, quickly arrived on the scene to contain the blaze.
A shop owner, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted the moment of the explosion: “I heard a loud bang, which I initially thought was gunfire. It wasn’t long before thick smoke filled the air. I called the Fire Service, but the damage was already extensive by the time they arrived. I’ve lost everything; I don’t know how to start over.”
Witnesses have suggested that ongoing road rehabilitation efforts in the area may have contributed to the incident, noting that the truck likely would not have used the access road had the work not been underway. “The road is full of potholes, making it hard for the truck to navigate. It tipped over and exploded while the driver was trying to maneuver,” one bystander explained. They added, “We thank God there were no injuries, but the extent of property loss is immense.”
Rev. Akinyinka, General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, confirmed the rapid response of his team at the scene. To maintain order and prevent unrest among the affected business owners, security forces have been deployed in the area. The Fire Service’s prompt actions helped prevent the fire from spreading to nearby shops.
Recently, a similar incident was narrowly avoided at Offa-Metta in Oyo, where a DAF trailer tanker carrying 40,000 liters of DPK lost control. Fortunately, the Fire Service was able to quickly neutralize a hazardous spill, preventing a potential fire outbreak.
