Tragedy struck on Friday as a petrol-laden tanker exploded along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway, leaving several people feared dead.

According to the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), the accident occurred around 1 a.m. when a 33,000-litre tanker, reportedly speeding, lost control and overturned, spilling its contents on the highway. The crash ignited a massive fire that quickly spread to nearby vehicles and power installations.

TRACE spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed that a truck, a towing vehicle, and a PHCN cable supplying electricity to Mowe and surrounding areas were destroyed in the inferno. Emergency teams, including TRACE officials, firefighters from Ogun State and Nestlé PLC, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Police, are still on-site battling the aftermath.

“Casualty figures are yet to be determined,” Akinbiyi said. “Rescue efforts are ongoing, with the fire contained and decantation of the fuel in progress. We appeal to motorists to remain patient and cooperate with diversions currently in place.”

Traffic along the corridor has been reduced to a single lane as authorities work to restore order.

The Ogun State incident adds to the long list of tanker fire disasters that have plagued Nigeria. In October 2024, a tanker explosion at the Ibafo section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway killed one person and destroyed several vehicles. More recently, in July 2025, brake failure triggered another tanker blaze in Ibadan, leaving widespread damage.