Panic struck in Ogun State early Friday when a petrol tanker went up in flames on the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway, leaving properties destroyed and sparking fears of casualties.

The accident happened around 1 a.m. along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange axis, according to a statement by Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE).

Akinbiyi explained that the tanker, which was carrying 33,000 litres of petrol, reportedly lost control due to excessive speeding and overturned. The fuel spilled across the road, igniting a massive fire that quickly spread to nearby vehicles.

The inferno was so intense that it destroyed a parked truck, a tow vehicle, and even damaged power cables belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), cutting off electricity supply to Mowe and surrounding communities.

While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, eyewitnesses say the explosion caused chaos in the area as motorists and residents fled for safety. Rescue workers have yet to confirm if lives were lost.

Joint teams from TRACE, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Fire Service, Nestlé Fire Service, the police, Amotekun Corps, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) immediately moved to the scene. 

Their efforts were focused on putting out the flames, decanting the remaining fuel, and restoring order on the busy highway.

As of Friday morning, emergency officials were still on ground, clearing the wreckage and redirecting traffic to ease the gridlock caused by the explosion.

TRACE urged road users to remain patient and cooperate with traffic diversions. Akinbiyi added that while the incident was regrettable, safety measures were already in place to prevent further escalation.

Tanker accidents remain a recurring tragedy on Nigerian highways, often linked to reckless driving, poor road conditions, and inadequate vehicle maintenance. Just last year, a similar tanker fire claimed several lives in Lagos, reigniting calls for stricter regulations on fuel transportation.

For many residents along the Abeokuta–Sagamu route, Friday’s explosion is yet another reminder of the dangers posed by fuel tankers plying Nigerian roads at night.