A fuel tanker caught fire on Thursday at Feesu Junction along the Iwo–Ibadan Expressway in Iwo, Osun State, prompting panic among residents and motorists.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 10:25 a.m. opposite Lado Filling Station, an area surrounded by businesses, filling stations and residential buildings.
Eyewitnesses said the tanker caught fire shortly after discharging its contents at a nearby fuel station. The driver reportedly acted quickly by detaching the truck’s tractor head, helping to prevent the fire from spreading to the fuel station and surrounding properties.
Videos circulating online showed flames engulfing part of the vehicle as residents gathered near the scene. No death or injury was reported at the time of filing this report.
The driver’s actions have attracted widespread praise from residents and social-media users, who said his quick response prevented what could have become a major disaster.
According an eyewitness on X, via an handle @Iwoland hub, the driver braved the odds to prevent a disaster.
“DRIVER’S DARING ESCAPE IN IWO: He Drives Away as Tanker Explodes, Then Detaches Truck Head from Burning Tanker”
https://x.com/Iwolandhub/status/2100658008066056471?s=20
However, concerns have been raised over the number of bystanders who remained close to the burning tanker despite the risk of an explosion. The incident has renewed calls for improved public awareness, stricter fuel-handling procedures and a faster emergency response to tanker fires.
There were conflicting reports about whether the tanker was carrying petrol or diesel. The cause of the fire also remained unclear.
The Osun State Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and state police command had not issued official statements on the incident at the time of publication.
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