By Sola Adedoja, JKNewsMedia Intern, Ibadan
IT WAS a devastating tanker explosion that claimed the life of a driver and left one other injured along the Iwo Road Expressway in Ibadan, Oyo State, raising further safety concerns about fuel transportation on Nigeria’s roads.
The explosion occurred when a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) lost control, crashed into two other trucks, and overturned into a roadside pit.
The vehicle instantly ignited, engulfing the area in flames.
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency reported that the driver was burned to death, while his motor boy narrowly survived with injuries.
Yemi Akinyinka, General Manager of the fire service, detailed the sequence of events, explaining that the agency received an emergency call at 2:45am. on Wednesday.
“The fire was swiftly contained to prevent it from spreading to nearby residential areas,” Akinyinka said.
Upon arrival, officials encountered three trucks positioned within a 20-metre radius, all involved in the accident.
The motor boy was rescued and transported to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for urgent medical care.
Despite the swift intervention by fire service personnel, the tanker was completely destroyed.
The two other trucks were spared significant damage thanks to the quick response, he noted.
Fire Service Director of Operations, Ismail Adeleke, along with police and other security agencies, secured the area to maintain order and assist in the rescue efforts, noting that their actions were crucial in averting further casualties or damage to the neighbourhood.
Today’s incident in Ibadan notably adds to the troubling trend of fatal tanker explosions in Nigeria.
On Saturday, a similar incident in Gurara Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State claimed the lives of 98 people when a petrol tanker crashed and exploded.
Also, earlier this month, at least two fatalities were reported following a tanker fire in Agbor, Delta State.
