Fuel Tanker Explosion Sparks Gridlock On Ibadan Expressway.
A fuel tanker explosion on the Ibadan Expressway has caused significant disruption, leaving motorists stranded in a major traffic gridlock. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, between the Oremeji and Olorunsogo axis of Oyo State, triggered chaos as emergency services rushed to contain the blaze.
According to reports, the tanker caught fire near Sumurah, prompting a swift response from the Oyo State Fire Service. General Manager Akinyemi Akinyinka confirmed that firefighters were deployed immediately to tackle the inferno. “Our response team is already at the scene,” Akinyinka told local media, assuring residents that efforts were underway to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby areas. No casualties have been reported as of press time, a relief amidst the severity of the incident.
The explosion has led to severe congestion along the busy expressway, with vehicles diverted to alternative routes. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and local police are working to manage the traffic and ensure safety, but commuters have been advised to avoid the affected area. Social media posts reflected public frustration, with many expressing concern over recurring tanker incidents in Nigeria.
This event follows a troubling pattern of fuel tanker accidents in Nigeria, with similar incidents reported in recent years along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and other major routes. Experts point to poor road maintenance, risky driving practices as some of the contributing factors. The Oyo State Government has urged calm and promised to investigate the cause of the explosion to prevent future occurrences.
As emergency crews continue their efforts, authorities are calling for stricter regulations on fuel transportation to enhance road safety. For now, Ibadan residents and travellers are left navigating the fallout of this disruptive incident, hopeful for a swift resolution.
