Panic and chaos rocked parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yesterday after a petroleum tanker carrying 33,000 litres of premium motor spirit (petrol) exploded in a devastating fire incident.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around [insert location if known – e.g., Challenge, Iwo Road], when the tanker reportedly lost control and crashed, resulting in a massive explosion that sent flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Residents and commuters fled the scene as the fire spread quickly, destroying nearby vehicles, shops, and properties. Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers, and personnel from the Oyo State Fire Service, rushed to the location and battled the inferno for several hours before finally bringing it under control.
Preliminary reports suggest that the tanker may have suffered a brake failure, though officials have yet to confirm the exact cause of the explosion. Fortunately, no fatalities have been confirmed at the time of this report, but several people reportedly sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Oyo State Government has urged residents to remain calm while promising a full investigation into the incident. In a statement, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources assured the public that safety measures will be strengthened to prevent such disasters in the future.
This tragic event adds to the growing list of petroleum tanker-related accidents in Nigeria, raising fresh concerns about road safety regulations, vehicle maintenance, and emergency preparedness in urban areas.
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