Tanker explosion kills driver in Oyo; youths prevented from scooping fuel in Taraba

A tragic tanker explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, has killed the driver and injured a motor boy. Mr Yemi Akinyinka, General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, confirmed the incident, which occurred around Fijabi House on the Ojoo/Iwo expressway. The tanker, loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), reportedly lost control, collided with two […]

A tragic tanker explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, has killed the driver and injured a motor boy.

Mr Yemi Akinyinka, General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, confirmed the incident, which occurred around Fijabi House on the Ojoo/Iwo expressway.

The tanker, loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), reportedly lost control, collided with two other trucks, and somersaulted into a pit before catching fire.

“The incident happened at 2:45am. The driver was burnt to death, while the motor boy was rescued and taken to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan,” Akinyinka said.

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He added that while the tanker was destroyed, quick intervention by fire service personnel saved two other trucks from the blaze. 

Fuel scooping prevented in Taraba

In Jalingo, Taraba State, security forces prevented a catastrophic situation after a petrol tanker crashed at Mile 6 roundabout.

Hundreds of youths rushed to the scene in an attempt to scoop fuel but were stopped by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the police.

The intervention came days after a similar incident in Niger State resulted in over 100 deaths.

Shop owners near the scene quickly shut their businesses, fearing an explosion. The driver of the tanker, who sustained injuries, was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The NSCDC spokesman, Mr Illia Samuel, said the prompt response of the command averted casualties.

“We immediately dispatched our personnel to secure the area and prevent any occurrences that could lead to loss of life or property,” Samuel said.

The police spokesman for Taraba State command, SP Usman, also confirmed the incident, assuring that measures were in place to ensure the safety of residents and travellers.