A petrol tanker conveying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) caught fire on Thursday evening at Celica Junction in the Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The incident, which occurred at exactly 6:27 p.m., caused heavy traffic congestion along the busy Ibadan-Ife Expressway but fortunately claimed no lives.
Eyewitnesses at the scene said the tanker experienced a brake failure, which caused the driver to lose control. The vehicle reportedly collided with a Prado Jeep and another car before falling on its side and bursting into flames.
“The truck, which fell on its side, spilled its contents, leading to a fire outbreak,” an eyewitness recounted.
Another source noted, “The tanker hit a Prado Jeep and another car. In the process, it fell and exploded. Although no casualties were recorded, the fire damaged both vehicles.”
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr. Maroof Akinwande, said emergency responders quickly intervened.
“Our firemen responded promptly, applying chemical foam compound to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to the nearby NNPC filling station and surrounding properties,” Akinwande said in a statement.
He added that the fire was brought under control with the support of officers from the Federal Fire Service. He also confirmed that the Jeep involved was pushed into a nearby gutter due to the force of the collision.
While no lives were lost, the tanker and one of the vehicles were destroyed in the inferno. Authorities have since advised motorists to ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles to prevent such accidents.
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