A tragic explosion involving a fuel-laden tanker has claimed multiple lives along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State.
According to Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), the incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Friday when a tanker carrying 33,000 liters of petrol overturned due to excessive speeding and loss of control.
“The tanker fell, spilling its contents, which ignited into an inferno along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange stretch of the PMB Expressway,” Akinbiyi stated. The fire also engulfed a nearby truck, a tow vehicle, and damaged a PHCN cable supplying electricity to Mowe and surrounding areas.
Emergency services, including TRACE, Ogun State and Nestlé PLC Fire Services, FRSC, Police, Amotekun, and NSCDC, are on-site managing the situation, extinguishing the fire, and conducting decantation. The exact casualty count remains unconfirmed as rescue efforts continue.
Traffic has been diverted to a single lane to accommodate ongoing operations. Akinbiyi urged motorists to remain patient and cooperate with responders, apologizing for any inconvenience caused by the incident.
Tanker explosions have become a recurring issue in Nigeria. In October 2024, a similar incident along the Ibafo section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway resulted in one death and significant property damage. In July 2025, a tanker explosion in Ibadan caused by brake failure affected nearby vehicles, though casualty details were limited. Delayed emergency responses have often worsened the impact of such incidents.
