A major explosion occurred on Wednesday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway between the Oremeji and Olorunsogo areas, when a petrol-laden tanker overturned and burst into flames near the NASFAT U-turn axis. The incident triggered widespread panic, engulfed vehicles, and caused a severe traffic standstill.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Sector Command, confirmed the incident to reporters. Florence Okpe, the command’s Education Officer, said that emergency teams from both the FRSC and the Ogun State Fire Service quickly arrived at the scene. She stated that casualty details were “still unconfirmed as of press time.”
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as the explosion consumed multiple vehicles nearby, with thick plumes of black smoke rising into the sky—visible from kilometers away. Panic-stricken motorists and commuters abandoned their vehicles and fled to safety, fearing possible secondary explosions.
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) also confirmed the explosion, calling it “severe.” TRACE spokesperson Babatunde Akinbiyi explained that the incident occurred on the outbound Lagos lane, severely disrupting traffic.
In a public advisory, Akinbiyi urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes via Christ Embassy Camp while emergency efforts continued. “TRACE, FRSC, and police operatives are fully on ground, managing the situation,” he said.
Unlike typical fuel spills or accidents along this busy highway, Wednesday’s incident highlights the recurring threat posed by petrol tankers on Nigerian roads. It also reinforces the need for stricter safety protocols for transporting hazardous materials.
Authorities have urged motorists to remain calm, cooperate with rescue teams, and take alternate routes as clearing operations proceed.
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