(DDM) – Several persons are feared dead following a midnight fuel tanker explosion along the Abeokuta–Sagamu expressway.
DDM gathered that the accident occurred around 1 am on Friday when a 33,000-litre petrol tanker overturned.
Officials said the tanker, reportedly speeding, lost control and spilled its contents across the highway.
The impact triggered a massive fire that quickly spread to nearby vehicles and electric poles in the area.
Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), confirmed the development.
Akinbiyi explained that the inferno began after the tanker fell sideways and ignited its spilled fuel.
He noted that the incident occurred along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu interchange stretch of the expressway.
According to TRACE, a truck and a tow vehicle were destroyed in the fire outbreak.
The blaze also consumed a PHCN cable supplying electricity to Mowe and adjoining communities.
Casualty figures remain unconfirmed as rescue and emergency teams are still operating at the scene.
Akinbiyi listed the agencies on ground as TRACE, Ogun State Fire Service, Nestlé PLC Fire Service, FRSC, and the police.
He added that security outfits, including Amotekun and the NSCDC, are also assisting in the response effort.
Traffic authorities have diverted vehicles to a single lane pending the completion of rescue operations.
Motorists were urged to remain calm and cooperate with diversions put in place by rescue agencies.
Officials described the incident as deeply regrettable, assuring the public of ongoing rescue interventions.
Residents around Kobape and Siun communities said they heard loud explosions and saw heavy flames rising into the sky.
Some eyewitnesses reported people fleeing the highway on foot as the fire spread to multiple lanes.
Emergency services are still working to ascertain the number of casualties and property destroyed.
Authorities have advised travelers to seek alternative routes until full clearance of the highway is completed.
Analysts note that Nigeria continues to witness frequent tanker explosions due to reckless driving and poor road safety enforcement.
The Ogun State government is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The post BREAKING: Fuel Tanker Explosion Sparks Panic On Abeokuta–Sagamu Road
DDM News
first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
