A tanker accident along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State on Friday morning has claimed lives and destroyed several vehicles. The accident, which occurred around 1am, was caused by a petrol tanker overturning and spilling its contents on the highway.
According to Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), the incident involved a 33,000-litre tanker loaded with petrol. He explained that the vehicle overturned due to excessive speeding, leading to the spillage that quickly ignited a fire. The flames spread rapidly, damaging a truck, a tow vehicle, and electric poles along the busy road. A power cable supplying electricity to Mowe and nearby communities was also destroyed in the blaze.
Emergency agencies, including TRACE, the Ogun State Fire Service, Nestlé PLC Fire Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the police, responded promptly to the scene. Akinbiyi said the exact number of casualties could not yet be confirmed, but rescue teams were still conducting operations to restore order. Their efforts included extinguishing the fire and carrying out a decantation process to safely remove remaining fuel from the wrecked tanker.
In the aftermath of the accident, traffic flow was disrupted as authorities diverted vehicles to a single lane. Akinbiyi urged motorists to remain calm and comply with diversions and rerouting put in place by TRACE, the police, FRSC, the fire service, Amotekun, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). He also acknowledged the disruption caused by the incident, expressing regret for the inconveniences faced by road users.
The Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway has witnessed several tanker-related accidents in recent years, raising concerns about road safety and enforcement of speed regulations for heavy-duty vehicles. This latest tragedy underscores the recurring danger posed by petrol tankers on Nigerian highways, particularly when drivers ignore safety precautions.
While rescue workers continue efforts at the site, questions remain about the effectiveness of current safety measures designed to prevent such disasters. For many residents and commuters in Ogun State, the accident is a painful reminder of the urgent need for stricter traffic management, improved vehicle maintenance, and better oversight of fuel transport across the country.
Authorities have yet to release official casualty figures, but emergency services continue to work at the site to ensure full recovery and restore normal road operations.
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