Abeokuta Sagamu tanker fire kills several in a midnight explosion caused by a fuel-laden truck spill. Emergency responders remain on site

Abeokuta Sagamu tanker fire has claimed an unconfirmed number of lives after a 33,000-litre petrol tanker overturned and ignited a devastating blaze in the early hours of Friday.

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The incident occurred around 1:00 am along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway, near the Kobape–Siun–Interchange stretch, and quickly escalated into an inferno that engulfed nearby vehicles and infrastructure.

According to Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), the tanker, travelling at high speed, lost control, overturned, and spilled its highly flammable content onto the road.

“The impact of the fall led to a fire outbreak, which extended to a truck, a tow vehicle, and PHCN electric poles supplying Mowe and its environs,” Akinbiyi confirmed.

While exact casualty figures remain unknown, at least three vehicles were destroyed in the blaze, and emergency responders are still at the scene conducting a decantation and cooling process.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Fire Service, Police, TRACE, and private fire units from Nestlé PLC are working together to restore normalcy.

Due to ongoing operations, traffic on the corridor has been reduced to a single lane, with authorities urging motorists to remain calm and follow diversion instructions.

“The motoring public is implored to cooperate with all responders. Inconveniences are highly regretted,” Akinbiyi said.

This marks the latest in a string of deadly tanker fire incidents across Nigeria.

In October 2024, a similar fire on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway at Ibafo claimed one life.

In July 2025, a petrol tanker explosion in Ibadan caused significant property damage following brake failure.

These repeated tragedies highlight critical issues in Nigeria’s fuel transport safety, regulatory enforcement, and slow emergency response — often worsening the outcomes of such events.

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Calls continue to mount for tighter regulations on fuel-laden vehicle movement, particularly at night, and for better-equipped and faster emergency systems to prevent avoidable deaths.

Abeokuta Sagamu Tanker Fire