A fresh wave of panic swept through Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Tuesday afternoon following another devastating petrol tanker fire. The incident, which occurred near the Muslim Grammar School in the Odinjo area along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, involved a tanker transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The vehicle reportedly somersaulted and burst into flames, sending plumes of smoke into the air and triggering fear and confusion among nearby residents and passersby.
According to preliminary eyewitness accounts, the tanker appeared to lose control before overturning. The immediate aftermath saw flames engulf the vehicle, with the intense heat and smoke forcing people in the vicinity to flee for safety. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many abandoning vehicles and property to escape the rapidly spreading fire. The cause of the accident remains unconfirmed at the time of reporting, but early speculation points to brake failure or driver error as potential factors.
Emergency responders, including personnel from the Oyo State Fire Service, swiftly mobilized to the scene and are currently engaged in efforts to contain the blaze and mitigate further damage. Their quick response has been instrumental in preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures and minimizing the risk to human life.
However, official details about the extent of the damage, the precise cause of the tanker’s fall, and any possible casualties have not yet been disclosed. As of Tuesday evening, the Oyo State Fire Service had yet to issue a formal statement, and efforts to contact relevant authorities for comment have been unsuccessful.
The tragic event has further intensified public concern about road safety and the frequent movement of petroleum-laden tankers through urban areas. This latest fire marks another addition to a troubling pattern of similar incidents in Oyo State. Just days ago, a separate accident involving a petrol tanker and a truck also occurred within Ibadan city, causing traffic disruption and raising alarm among residents.
In recent months, Oyo State has witnessed an unsettling increase in tanker-related fires, prompting renewed calls from safety experts and community leaders for stricter regulatory oversight and improved transportation protocols for hazardous materials. These calls have only grown louder in the wake of Tuesday’s incident, which once again underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety reform in the logistics and fuel distribution sectors.
Many have urged government agencies to introduce more rigorous training and certification for tanker drivers, enforce regular vehicle maintenance checks, and reroute fuel transportation away from densely populated areas wherever possible. Additionally, improved infrastructure, including reinforced roads and emergency response equipment, is seen as critical in reducing the frequency and impact of such disasters.
As the state awaits an official investigation into the cause of the Odinjo tanker fire, affected residents and business owners are left grappling with the aftermath. The incident has disrupted daily activities in the area and serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with inadequate safety measures in fuel transportation.
In the coming days, more information is expected from the Oyo State government and emergency services, shedding light on the events that led to this unfortunate occurrence and what steps will be taken to prevent future tragedies of this nature.
