JUST IN: Tanker explosion claims many lives on Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway
An unconfirmed number of people have died following a tanker fire accident that occurred at midnight along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the incident, saying it happened around 1 a.m. on Friday.
According to him, a 33,000-litre petrol tanker overturned due to excessive speeding and spilled its contents on the highway, sparking a massive fire.
“The effect of the unfortunate incident also extended to the burning of a truck and a tow vehicle parked by the roadside, as well as the destruction of a PHCN cable supplying electricity to Mowe and its environs,” Akinbiyi said.
He added that rescue and emergency teams, including TRACE, the Ogun State and Nestlé Fire Services, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the police, were at the scene to put out the fire, carry out the decantation process, and restore order.
While casualty figures have yet to be confirmed, authorities have advised motorists to remain patient and comply with traffic diversions introduced by TRACE, the police, FRSC, the Ogun State Fire Service, Amotekun, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“Any inconveniences as a result of this unfortunate incident are highly regretted,” Akinbiyi said.
