LAGOS, Nigeria (BN24) — A petrol-laden tanker burst into flames on Wednesday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, triggering panic among motorists and worshippers near the NASFAT prayer camp.
The incident occurred when the tanker reportedly lost control and overturned directly in front of the NASFAT (Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society of Nigeria) facility, immediately catching fire. Thick plumes of black smoke filled the air as fire spread from the tanker, raising fears of a possible explosion and causing gridlock on the major highway.
Eyewitness accounts on social media described a chaotic scene. A user on X, formerly Twitter, with the handle @SegunOladejo_ wrote: “A tanker is burning on Lagos-Ibadan expressway just opposite NASFAT praying ground. The fire is horrible.”
Emergency responders were quickly deployed to the scene, but as of press time, it was unclear whether the fire had been fully extinguished or if any injuries had occurred. Authorities have yet to release an official statement.
The blaze marks the second fuel-related incident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in recent days. On Monday, another tanker fire broke out between the Oremeji and Olorunsogo areas, severely affecting traffic flow. Though no casualties were reported in that case, the inferno lasted for hours before being contained by the Oyo State Fire Service.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors and is often plagued by traffic incidents, particularly involving articulated vehicles.
Authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution while driving along the corridor and to adhere strictly to safety regulations as investigations continue into the latest fire.
