Fuel Tanker Explodes In Oyo

A fuel tanker transporting 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, somersaulted and caught fire on Monday at NICO Farm along the Iseyin/Oyo Road in Iseyin Local Government Area, Oyo State.

According to investigations by The PUNCH, the tanker—bearing number plate Lagos LM62XP—lost control while in motion, tumbled into a nearby ditch, and subsequently exploded.

Confirming the incident, Maroof Akinwande, Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, said the fire was reported at 10:46 a.m. and that firemen were immediately dispatched to the scene.

“The fire incident was reported at exactly 10:46 hrs on Monday.

Immediately the address was received, the firemen led by PFS1 Azeez swiftly deployed to the scene of the incident, and on arrival, it was a trailer tanker registered no. LM62XP (Lagos) loaded with a 45,000-litre capacity of PMS, lost control whilst in motion and somersaulted into the nearby ditch and caught fire,” Akinwande said.

He noted that the fire crew promptly swung into action, applying chemical foam compound to prevent a full-scale explosion and limit the damage.

“The firemen quickly swung into action and applied a chemical foam compound, preventing it from exploding and curtailed it from affecting any nearby structure or vehicle.

The fire was completely extinguished and normal vehicular movement was restored back on the road,” he explained.

No casualties have been reported as of the time of filing this report, and the area has since been cleared for regular traffic.