By Seun Ajanaku, Reporting
IBADAN, OYO STATE — A devastating petrol tanker explosion has occurred along the Ojoo – Iwo Road Expressway, precisely at Fijabi Junction in Orogun, in the early hours of Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Stonix News reports that Fijabi junction is a stone throw from Agbowo Express junction when coming Iwo Road and Orogun junction when coming from Ojoo in Ibadan.
The scene
The tragic incident, which took place at approximately 2:13 a.m., involved three vehicles: two petrol tankers: one of which was empty, and petrol loaded tanker, alongside heavily loaded trailer carrying cars, trailer engines, and other vehicle parts.
Witnesses told our reporter who was on ground that the explosion was triggered by brake failure on the part of the tanker laden with petrol.
The cause of the accident might not also be unconnected to the delayed completion of the reconstruction of the Ojoo – Iwo Road Expressway which has become a source of concerns to road users.
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The out-of-control tanker collided with the trailer and the other tanker, resulting in a massive explosion that engulfed the vehicles in flames.
Exploded tanker
The clangorous explosion awoke residents of the area in the wee hours of the day with many panicking in their beds.
Emergency responders faced a challenging scene as they worked to control the inferno.
Unfortunately, the driver of the petrol-laden tanker was trapped in the blaze and burned beyond recognition.
Sympathisers at the scene
The young boy, who was also with the driver of the petrol-loaded tanker, was said to have escaped initially, but returned to rescue his boss who was still locked within the tanker.
He was, however, unfortunate as it was at that exact time the tanker exploded. He was later rescued with severe burns and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. His current condition remains critical.
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The incident caused significant disruption to traffic along the expressway, with vehicles held up for several kilometers as firefighters battled the flames.
The ravaged scene of the explosion
Witnesses described the explosion as “deafening” and the fire as “a towering inferno that illuminated the dark morning sky.”
They also thanked God that the accident did not occur in the day time when the road would have been busy with many vehicles, as the tragedy would have been unimaginable.
Local authorities and emergency management officials have commenced investigations into the cause of the brake failure, emphasising the need for stringent safety measures for heavy-duty vehicles transporting flammable materials.
The tragedy, similar to the one that occurred last Saturday in Niger State in which several lives were lost, has reignited public concern about road safety regulations and vehicle maintenance standard.
The Ojoo – Iwo Road Expressway
Residents and motorists are urged to exercise caution and adhere to traffic safety guidelines to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Stay connected for more news as we continue to gather details about this tragic incident.
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