A fuel-laden tanker exploded on Wednesday afternoon along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, causing a massive fire outbreak that razed several vehicles and led to traffic gridlock.
The incident occurred at the NASFAT U-Turn axis, outbound Lagos. Witnesses said thick black smoke rose into the sky, visible from afar, as fire engulfed the immediate surroundings.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) noted that the explosion severely disrupted vehicular movement.
In a statement issued by TRACE spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, he explained that, “A fallen laden tanker at NASFAT turning, outbound Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has exploded. Traffic is seriously affected. Fire services have been contacted and motorists coming from Lagos are being diverted through Christ Embassy camp. TRACE, FRSC, and the police are on the ground monitoring the situation.”
The Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also confirmed the development.
According to the command’s Public Education Officer, Florence Okpe, “Our rescue team and personnel from the fire service are already on ground managing the situation. However, as of the time of this report, no casualties have been officially confirmed.”
Eyewitnesses said several vehicles caught in the fire were completely razed. “It was a chaotic scene. People ran for their lives as the flames spread quickly,” said a motorist who narrowly escaped the inferno.
Traffic was brought to a standstill as emergency responders battled to contain the fire. Security agencies advised road users to take alternative routes and remain calm.
As of the time of filing this report, the full extent of the damage was still being assessed, and efforts were ongoing to clear the road and restore normal traffic flow.
