Tragedy struck in the early hours of Friday, October 3, 2025, when a petrol tanker overturned and exploded along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State, leaving several people feared dead and properties destroyed.
According to the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), the accident occurred around 1:00 a.m. when a 33,000-litre tanker carrying premium motor spirit (PMS) reportedly lost control due to speeding and fell on its side, spilling its contents. The petrol quickly caught fire, spreading to other vehicles and nearby infrastructure.
TRACE spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the incident in a statement.
He said: “The case of an inferno caused by a 30,000-litre fuel-laden tanker which fell on its side and spilled its contents around 0100hrs has been reported. The effect of this unfortunate incident also extended to the burning of a truck and tow vehicle, as well as the destruction of a PHCN cable supplying electricity to Mowe and environs.”
Officials of TRACE, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Police, firefighters, and private emergency responders were quickly mobilized to the scene to contain the blaze and secure the highway. Rescue efforts are ongoing, though the number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed.
The fire destroyed vehicles parked nearby and also damaged a section of the high-tension electricity cable serving communities around Mowe, causing power disruptions.
Traffic on the busy Abeokuta–Sagamu road was brought to a standstill for hours as motorists were diverted to alternative routes to allow emergency teams to battle the inferno and evacuate survivors.
An eyewitness who identified himself as Tunde said: “We were woken up by a loud explosion, and everywhere was on fire. People were running for their lives. Some vehicles parked along the road were completely burnt.”
As of press time, the casualty figures remain unverified, but reports from the scene suggest that several lives may have been lost. Authorities have cautioned against speculating on the numbers until the fire is completely put out and recovery operations are concluded.
TRACE advised motorists and residents in the area to exercise patience and cooperate with rescue officials.
Incidents involving petrol tankers are not new in Nigeria. Poor enforcement of traffic laws, over-speeding, lack of vehicle maintenance, and the dangerous practice of siphoning spilled fuel often contribute to deadly explosions.
In October 2024, at least 94 people were killed in a tanker explosion in Rivers State, highlighting the recurring danger such accidents pose across the country.
Authorities are expected to begin investigations into the cause of the accident once the area is secured. Efforts will also be made to restore electricity to affected communities and clear the wreckage from the road.
Meanwhile, safety experts are again calling on the government to enforce stricter safety standards for fuel tankers, including designated routes, speed restrictions, and mandatory maintenance checks to prevent further tragedies.
