Midnight Inferno: Ogun Tanker Explosion Leaves Many Feared Dead

A tragic explosion rocked Ogun State in the early hours of Friday when a petrol-laden tanker lost control and ignited a massive fire along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway. According to Ireporter Online, the incident occurred around 1 am when the 33,000-litre tanker, reportedly speeding excessively, overturned and spilled its contents, resulting in a devastating inferno.

The fire quickly spread, engulfing other vehicles and damaging power installations. Witnesses confirmed that a truck, a tow vehicle, and electricity cables belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) were destroyed in the blaze, disrupting supply to communities around Mowe and its environs.

Spokesperson of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the incident and explained that emergency responders were immediately mobilised. Teams from the Ogun State Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Police, Amotekun Corps, NSCDC, and Nestlé Fire Service collaborated to bring the situation under control and conduct a decantation process.

While the exact number of casualties is yet to be determined, Akinbiyi stated that rescue operations are ongoing to restore order and ensure safety along the affected route. Traffic has since been diverted to a single lane to allow responders adequate space to work.

The TRACE spokesperson urged motorists and commuters to remain calm and cooperate with diversions put in place, stressing that the inconveniences were deeply regrettable but necessary to ensure public safety.