File photo: tanker explosion
By Sadeeq Kamsela with agency report
Landlords, business owners, and motorists were left reeling after a tanker conveying petroleum products explosion led to widespread destruction in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Saturday.
Various sources told our reporter that the incident occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan highway, close to Lead University.
It was gathered that the incident occurred before 3 p.m., leading to a heavy tremor that reverberated several kilometers away from the scene of the accident.
Residents and travellers were thrown into panic as the loud bang and resultant fire swept through buildings and shops around the area.
One of the shops reportedly contained computer equipment worth millions, all of which were destroyed in the fire.
Additionally, several vehicles, including cars and motorcycles parked nearby, were completely consumed by the flames.
While authorities were unable to confirm any fatalities at the time of reporting, sources indicated that the driver and assistant of the tanker managed to escape the explosion with only minor injuries.
Firefighters from both the Oyo State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service responded promptly, working tirelessly to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby properties.
One source said, “I heard a loud explosion, and at first, I thought it was gunfire. Then, thick smoke filled the air. By the time we contacted the Fire Service, my shop was already reduced to ashes. I’ve lost everything, and I don’t know where to start over.”
Rev. Akinyinka, General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, confirmed that his team managed to contain the fire, preventing it from affecting other shops in the area.
