A petrol-laden tanker exploded yesterday near the NASFAT prayer ground along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, injuring two people and setting six vehicles ablaze.
The incident caused a massive traffic gridlock, leaving motorists stranded for hours.
According to eyewitness accounts, the tanker was attempting a U-turn at the NASFAT junction when it tipped over and spilled its contents, which quickly ignited.
“The tanker was trying to make a turn when it fell to its side and spilt petrol before catching fire,” an eyewitness told *PUNCH Metro*, declining to provide a name.
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) confirmed the incident, with spokesperson Babatunde Akinbiyi stating that two male victims sustained severe injuries and were initially slated to be taken to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH). However, due to severe traffic congestion, they were rerouted to FAMOBIS Hospital in Lotto.
Akinbiyi added that six vehicles were destroyed in the inferno, including four trucks, one commercial bus, and a Toyota Camry.
The aftermath of the explosion brought traffic to a standstill on both sides of the expressway, with emergency responders, including firefighters from the Ogun State Fire Service, deployed to manage the situation.
In a related development, another accident occurred on the same expressway later yesterday, causing further disruption.
A fuel tanker fell on one side of the road, while an 18-tyre truck loaded with stones overturned on the opposite lane near Ogere bridge, shortly after noon.
Security agencies and emergency responders were present at the scene, working to offload fuel and cargo from the affected vehicles. As of 3:00 p.m., efforts were still ongoing to clear the road and restore traffic flow.
Motorists reported spending hours in gridlock, with many seeking alternative routes to avoid the congestion.
The incidents have prompted renewed concerns over road safety and tanker operations along one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.