A devastating tanker explosion occurred on Saturday along Lead City University Road near the Ibadan Toll Gate, razing properties worth millions of naira and leaving shop owners in distress.
The incident, which took place around 2:45 p.m., destroyed several shops and vehicles parked along the expressway. One of the affected shops was reportedly stocked with computer systems valued in the millions.
Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion was sudden and intense, causing widespread panic. Fortunately, no loss of life has been confirmed at the time of filing this report. The truck driver and his assistant narrowly escaped death.
Firefighters from the Oyo State Fire Service, supported by the Federal Fire Service, responded promptly and were able to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading further.
One of the affected shop owners, who requested anonymity, recounted the moment the explosion occurred:
“I just heard a loud bang from outside. At first, I mistook it for gunshots. Before I could realize what was happening, thick smoke had filled the air.
“We called the fire services immediately, but by the time they arrived, the damage was already done. I’ve lost everything to the fire. I don’t even know where to start.”
Many sympathizers at the scene blamed the incident on the diversion caused by the ongoing road rehabilitation in the area. According to them, the truck was forced to use the alternative route due to poor road conditions.
“The road is riddled with potholes. The truck overturned while attempting to navigate one of the bad spots. It exploded when the driver was trying to maneuver,” said a witness. “We thank God no lives were lost, but the value of lost properties is beyond estimation.”
Confirming the incident, the General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Rev. Akinyinka, stated that his team was on the ground and had brought the situation under control.
Security operatives have since been deployed to the area to maintain law and order and prevent any unrest among affected shop owners.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Fire Service also confirmed that a similar tragedy was averted recently at Offa-Metta in Oyo. A DAF trailer carrying 40,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) lost control and spilled its contents.
Quick action by fire service personnel, who applied chemical foam compound, prevented what could have been another major fire disaster.
