A deadly explosion occurred on Saturday afternoon near the Toll Gate area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ibadan, claiming one life and destroying property valued at several millions of naira. The blast was triggered when a petrol tanker suddenly caught fire around 2:45 p.m., sending thick smoke into the sky and chaos into the nearby community.
The fire spread rapidly, engulfing cars, motorcycles, and roadside shops, some of which contained high-value items such as computer equipment. Witnesses described a terrifying scene, with flames consuming everything in sight within minutes. Business owners stood helpless as their investments turned to ashes, including a woman who lost her entire store to the blaze. She shared how she initially mistook the explosion for a gunshot before realizing it was a raging fire. “The smoke was everywhere before we could even understand what had happened. We called for help, but by the time the fire trucks came, it was already too late,” she said through tears.
The Oyo State Fire Service confirmed the fatality and noted that both state and federal fire teams responded swiftly to control the inferno. Mr Yemi Akinyinka, the agency’s General Manager, explained that the fire was intense, but efforts were made to prevent further loss of life. He also noted that the tanker’s driver and his assistant were lucky to escape with their lives.
While emergency services have since contained the situation, the emotional and financial toll on affected families and business owners remains deep. Many are left wondering how to pick up the pieces after a day that changed their lives in moments.
