A midnight inferno erupted along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway after a petrol-laden tanker overturned and spilt its contents, leaving an unconfirmed number of casualties.
Naijaonpoint reports that the tragic incident, which occurred around 1 am on Friday, was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi.
Akinbiyi explained that the 33,000-litre fuel tanker lost control due to excessive speeding before toppling over and bursting into flames.
“The case of an inferno caused by a 30,000-litre fuel-laden tanker which fell on its side and spilt its contents around 0100hrs today, along the Abeokuta-Kobape-Siun-Sagamu Interchange stretch of the PMB Expressway, due to excessive speed and loss of control, has been reported,” he said.
The fire spread rapidly, engulfing nearby vehicles and damaging power infrastructure.
Akinbiyi noted: “The effect of the unfortunate incident also extended to the burning of a truck and a tow vehicle along the roadside, as well as the destruction of a PHCN cable supplying electricity to Mowe and environs.”
The TRACE spokesperson disclosed that rescue and emergency teams, including the Ogun State Fire Service, FRSC, Police, Amotekun Corps, NSCDC, and Nestlé Fire Service, were mobilised to contain the fire and carry out a decantation process.
“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 added.
Traffic along the corridor has since been diverted to a single lane to allow emergency workers space to operate.
Akinbiyi appealed to the public for patience as responders continue their operations.
“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… However, any inconveniences as a result of this unfortunate incident are highly regretted,” he said.
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