Panic gripped residents of Ogbomoso, Oyo State on Friday after a petrol tanker loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) crashed along the busy Ogbomoso/Ilorin Expressway, raising fears of a possible explosion.
The incident occurred in the Ayanyan area when the tanker, bearing registration number MAG 20 XB (Borno), reportedly lost control and veered into a roadside pit.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Saturday, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, said the distress call was received around 12:30 p.m. and was immediately attended to.
“On Friday, 30th May 2025, at exactly 12:30 hrs, the distress call was reported through telephone and Alfa Kabiru Aderibigbe concerning a trailer tanker accident at Ayanyan area along Ogbomoso/Ilorin express road,” the statement read.
A team of firemen, led by PFS11 Oluwaleye, was promptly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, the crew found the overturned tanker dangerously positioned, leaking its flammable content and posing a serious fire hazard to the environment and nearby road users.
Although no fire outbreak was recorded, emergency responders worked tirelessly to secure the scene, avert potential ignition, and manage the spill.
Residents and motorists were urged to avoid the area as a precautionary measure, while law enforcement and safety agencies maintained surveillance to ensure full safety restoration.
