A deadly fire erupted at midnight on October 3, 2025, along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway when a 33,000-litre petrol tanker overturned.
The crash, caused by high speed, spilled fuel, igniting a blaze that claimed lives.
Extent of Damage
The fire engulfed a truck, a tow vehicle, and power cables, cutting electricity to Mowe and nearby areas.
Babatunde Akinbiyi, Ogun State Traffic Compliance spokesperson, confirmed the incident but said casualty numbers remain unclear.
Rescue Efforts
Emergency teams, including TRACE, Ogun State Fire Service, FRSC, police, and Nestlé PLC’s fire unit, are managing the scene.
They’ve extinguished the fire and are handling fuel decantation to restore normalcy.
Traffic Disruption
The ongoing response has reduced traffic to one lane. Akinbiyi urged drivers to stay patient and follow diversions set by TRACE, police, Amotekun, and NSCDC. “We regret any inconvenience,” he added.
Recurring Problem
Similar tanker fires have plagued Nigeria. In October 2024, a blaze on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway killed one and damaged vehicles.
A July 2025 explosion in Ibadan followed brake failure, affecting nearby cars.
Systemic Issues
Delayed emergency responses often worsen outcomes. These incidents expose gaps in road safety, fuel transport regulations, and public behavior around spills, demanding urgent reforms.
Why It Matters
Tanker fires highlight Nigeria’s road safety challenges, impacting lives and infrastructure, and underscoring the need for better oversight.
What’s Next
In October 2025, authorities will investigate the crash while pushing for stricter safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
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