Panic erupted on Wednesday after a petrol-laden tanker burst into flames along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, directly in front of the NASFAT Camp, causing massive traffic disruption and public fear.
The tanker, which reportedly fell while in motion, caught fire shortly after tipping over, sending thick black smoke into the sky and triggering panic among motorists and nearby residents.
As of Thursday, the fire was still raging, forcing many commuters and transporters to divert through the Ikorodu/Sagamu road. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with vehicles gridlocked and people fleeing the area.
An X user, SegunOladejo_, who identifies as #EndSARS Segun | Legal, posted: “A tanker is burning on Lagos-Ibadan expressway just opposite NASFAT praying ground. The fire is horrible.”
In response, over 100 soldiers were stationed at various points along the expressway to ensure the safety of commuters. Emergency responders worked tirelessly at the scene to contain the blaze.
Travelers reported spending over four hours to get into Lagos on Wednesday evening due to the incident.
This explosion comes just days after a similar tanker fire on Monday between the Oremeji and Olorunsogo sections of the same expressway. Although no casualties were reported in that earlier incident, the fire also burned for hours before being extinguished by the Oyo State Fire Service.
Authorities are urging drivers of fuel tankers to exercise extreme caution on the busy highway, which has seen a rise in such hazardous incidents in recent times.