A tragic incident unfolded on the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway early Friday morning, as a petrol tanker burst into flames, claiming lives and causing chaos.

According to Babatunde Akinbiyi, a spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), the accident happened around 1 a.m. when the tanker, carrying 33,000 liters of petrol, overturned after speeding excessively. The resulting spill ignited, leading to a devastating fire that has so far resulted in an unknown number of casualties.

In a conversation with journalists, Akinbiyi remarked, “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 today, along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange stretch of the PMB Expressway, due to excessive speed and loss of control, has been reported.”

“The effect of the unfortunate incident also extended to the burning of a truck and a tow vehicle along the roadside, as well as the destruction of a PHCN cable supplying electricity to Mowe and environs.

“Though the casualty figures cannot be ascertained presently, rescue and emergency services made up of TRACE, Ogun State and Nestlé PLC Fire Service, FRSC, and the Police are still on the ground to restore normalcy and orderliness after quenching the fire and carrying out the decantation process.”

He urged motorists to remain patient and follow the traffic diversions and re-routing measures put in place by TRACE, the police, the Ogun State Fire Service, FRSC, Amotekun, and the NSCDC.

“However, any inconveniences as a result of this unfortunate incident are highly regretted,” he added.

ASA