Photo: Unrelated photo of a tanker explosion
A midnight tanker fire on Friday left destruction in its wake along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway, burning vehicles, power installations, and properties, with an unconfirmed number of people feared dead.
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Abeokuta by its spokesperson, Mr. Babatunde Akinbiyi.
According to Akinbiyi, the crash occurred around 1:00 a.m. at the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange when a 33,000-litre petrol tanker overturned while speeding, spilling its contents on the highway and igniting a massive fire.
“The effect of the unfortunate incident also extended to the burning of a truck and a tow vehicle parked by the roadside, as well as the destruction of a PHCN cable supplying electricity to Mowe and its environs,” he said.
He noted that the number of casualties was yet to be determined as emergency operations continued at the scene.
Joint rescue teams comprising TRACE, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Fire Service, Nestlé Fire Service, the Police, Amotekun Corps, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were mobilised to battle the inferno and begin the decantation of the remaining fuel.
Akinbiyi said rescue workers were still on the ground to restore normalcy and ensure traffic flow, while urging motorists to remain calm and obey diversions put in place.
“Any inconveniences as a result of this unfortunate incident are highly regretted,” he added.
