Tanker Expl0sion Rocks Ibadan, No Casualties Reported

Tanker Explosion Rocks Ibadan, No Casualties Reported

A devastating fire incident occurred on Thursday, July 18, 2025, at Celica Junction along the New Ife Expressway in Ibadan, Oyo State, when a petrol tanker carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) exploded.

The inferno, which caused panic among motorists and residents, was reportedly triggered by brake failure. Eyewitnesses said the tanker lost control while descending the slope near the junction, veered off the road, and collided with a Toyota Prado SUV and another vehicle. The impact caused the tanker to topple and burst into flames.

Emergency responders from the Oyo State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service swiftly arrived at the scene to contain the fire. According to officials, the alert was received at 6:27 p.m., and firefighters immediately deployed chemical foam to suppress the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby properties, including an NNPC petrol station located dangerously close to the explosion site.

Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, although both the SUV and the second car were badly damaged by the fire. The quick response of the fire services was commended by onlookers, many of whom captured videos and images of the burning vehicles, which later circulated widely on social media.

Officials confirmed that the cause of the incident was mechanical failure—specifically, the failure of the tanker’s braking system. The driver was unable to stop the vehicle in time, leading to the crash and subsequent explosion.

While the area has since been cleared, authorities have urged tanker drivers and logistics companies to prioritize regular vehicle maintenance and safety checks to avoid similar tragedies in the future.