Commuters escape death in Ibadan petrol tanker explosion

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the driver of the tanker was trying to swerve into another lane when it caught fire at around 4.45pm.

A pickup truck, a commuter bus, a Micra car, a tricycle and two motorcycles were burnt in the incident.

A witness, Biodun Ayoola, told NAN that all occupants of the affected cars and motorcycles fled quickly when they saw the burning tanker.

According to Ayoola, due to ongoing construction of a pedestrian bridge at Ajia junction, the contractor was forced to close one lane and divert vehicles to the other lane.

“The tanker caught fire and exploded while trying to change lanes, but we thank God that all the occupants of the affected vehicles and motorcycles were able to escape the scene before the explosion.“, he said.

NAN reports that Mayowa Odewothe spokesman of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Oyo State, confirmed the incident.

Odewo said officers of the Egbeda Axis Command were still on the ground and that a statement would be issued immediately after the operations were completed.