A major disaster was narrowly avoided on Saturday as a petrol tanker exploded at Ajia Junction along the Ibadan-Ife Road, sparking chaos but resulting in no casualties. The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. when the tanker, fully loaded with petroleum, caught fire while the driver was attempting to switch lanes due to ongoing road construction.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the explosion destroyed several vehicles, including a mini truck, a commuter bus, a Micra car, a tricycle, and two motorcycles. Fortunately, all occupants of the affected vehicles managed to flee the scene before the tanker ignited, escaping what could have been a deadly accident.
Eyewitness Biodun Ayoola recounted that the ongoing construction of a pedestrian bridge at Ajia Junction had caused the closure of one lane, forcing vehicles to divert. It was during this diversion that the tanker caught fire and subsequently exploded.
“We thank God that all the occupants escaped from the scene before the tanker exploded,” Ayoola said, expressing relief that no lives were lost.
Mr. Mayowa Odewo, Public Relations Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Oyo State, confirmed the incident and noted that FRSC officers from the Egbeda axis were at the scene to manage the situation. He assured the public that a full report would be released after the completion of their investigation.
The cause of the explosion remains unknown, but authorities have launched an inquiry to determine the exact circumstances and to prevent future incidents of this nature.
