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Several Feared Dead in Petrol Tanker Fire in Ogun.
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Several vehicles and power infrastructure were destroyed in the inferno.
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Casualties remain unconfirmed as emergency teams battle to restore order.
A fuel tanker accident triggered a midnight inferno along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State, leaving an unconfirmed number of casualties and widespread destruction.
The incident, which occurred around 1 a.m. on Friday, was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to Akinbiyi, the 33,000-litre petrol tanker overturned after the driver lost control due to excessive speeding. The vehicle toppled on its side, spilling its contents before bursting into flames.
“The case of an inferno caused by a 30,000-litre fuel-laden tanker which fell on its side and spilt 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,” Akinbiyi said.
The raging fire spread rapidly, consuming nearby vehicles, including a truck and a tow vehicle parked by the roadside. The flames also destroyed a PHCN electricity cable supplying power to Mowe and surrounding communities.
Emergency response teams, including the Ogun State Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Police, Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nestlé Fire Service, were quickly mobilised to the scene to contain the fire and begin a decantation process.
Although casualty figures remain uncertain, Akinbiyi confirmed that rescue and emergency workers were still on the ground, working to restore normalcy. Traffic flow on the expressway has been reduced to a single lane to give responders space to operate.
He appealed to motorists and commuters to remain calm and cooperate with diversion and re-routing measures.
“Any inconveniences as a result of this unfortunate incident are highly regretted,” he said.
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