Tragic Weekend: Tanker Explodes in Ogun as Solar Farm Ignites in Ibadan

A midnight fire from an overturned petrol tanker has left an unconfirmed number of people dead along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway.

Officials said the 33,000-litre tanker lost control at high speed, spilling its contents before bursting into flames. The fire spread quickly to other vehicles and electric poles.

Spokesperson of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed that the incident happened around 1 am on Friday.

He explained, “The case of an inferno caused by a 30,000-litre fuel-laden tanker which fell on its side and spilled its contents around 0100hrs today, along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange stretch of the PMB Expressway, due to excessive speed and loss of control, has been reported.”

The fire also consumed a truck, a tow vehicle, and destroyed PHCN cables supplying electricity to Mowe and neighbouring towns.

Emergency teams from TRACE, FRSC, Police, Ogun Fire Service and Nestlé PLC Fire Service fought through the night to quench the flames. Traffic was diverted to a single lane.

Akinbiyi pleaded with motorists to remain calm. “The general public, particularly the motoring public on transit along the route, is implored to be patient and cooperate with diversion and re-routing put in place. Any inconveniences are regretted,” he said.

This latest accident adds to the long list of deadly tanker explosions in Nigeria.

Ibadan Blaze

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Oyo State, another fire broke out on Thursday in Ibadan, gutting the Training Office of Sun Watt’s Solar and Electrical Company at the Salinsile building, Iwo Road.

Equipment and electrical appliances worth millions of naira were lost.

Confirming the incident, the Special Adviser to the Oyo Governor on Fire Service Reform, Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, said it was reported at 6:12 pm via emergency line 112.

“Upon arrival, it was the Training Office of Sun Watt’s Solar and Electrical Company engulfed by fire. Officers swiftly swung into action, and the fire was curtailed and restricted from spreading. Properties worth millions were saved,” he explained.

No casualties were recorded. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause.

Akinwande urged residents to be fire-conscious. “Every home and business should have extinguishers. In emergencies, call 08067439223, 08054353501 or 615,” he advised.

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