Ibadan, Oyo State – A large fuel tanker caught fire and exploded on Tuesday morning along the busy Ibadan Expressway in Oyo State, causing a big traffic jam that left many cars and buses stuck for hours.
The explosion happened between the Oremeji and Olorunsogo areas, close to a place called Sumurah. Thick black smoke filled the sky, and the fire could be seen from far away. People nearby were very scared, and many had to run for safety.
So far, the good news is that no one has been reported hurt or killed, but the fire is still burning as emergency workers try hard to stop it from spreading.
The Oyo State Fire Service quickly sent firefighters to the scene. The boss of the agency, Mr. Akinyemi Akinyinka, spoke to a reporter on the phone and confirmed what happened.
He said, “Yes, a tanker is on fire near Sumurah, between Olorunsogo and Oremeji. Our response team is already at the scene.”
Fire trucks rushed in, spraying water and special foam to try and put out the flames. People are being told to stay away from the area to avoid danger.
The fire has caused a huge traffic jam, also known as a gridlock. Many travelers heading in and out of Ibadan were stuck on the road with no way to move forward or backward. Some drivers left their vehicles to see what was going on.
Officials are asking drivers to use other roads while the firefighters continue their work. The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but safety experts warn that fuel tankers can be very dangerous if not handled properly.
Everyone is hoping the fire will be put out soon so that the road can be safe again.
