Commuters escape death as petrol tanker explodes in Ibadan
Tanker explosion in Ibadan
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
Tragedy was narrowly averted on Saturday as scores of commuters escaped death when a petrol tanker exploded at Ajia Junction, along the Ibadan-Ife Road in Ibadan.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the incident occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. as the tanker, fully loaded with petroleum, caught fire while the driver attempted to switch lanes due to road construction.
The fire quickly spread, causing a devastating explosion.
The explosion left significant damage, burning a mini truck, a commuter bus, a Micra car, a tricycle, and two motorcycles. Miraculously, no casualties were reported as the occupants of the affected vehicles and motorcycles managed to flee just in time.
Eyewitness, Biodun Ayoola, explained that ongoing construction of a pedestrian bridge at Ajia Junction had resulted in the closure of one lane, forcing all vehicles to divert to the other.
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The tanker ignited while navigating the diversion, leading to the explosion.
“We thank God that all the occupants escaped from the scene before the tanker exploded,” Ayoola said.
Mr. Mayowa Odewo, the Public Relations Officer for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Oyo State, confirmed the incident.
He added that FRSC officers from the Egbeda axis were on the scene and that a detailed statement would be released upon completion of their operations.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but authorities are investigating the incident to prevent future occurrences.
