A midnight tanker explosion along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway has left several people feared dead, with vehicles, electric poles, and public infrastructure destroyed in the ensuing inferno.

According to the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), the incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Friday when a 33,000-litre petrol-laden tanker, reportedly speeding, lost control and overturned along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange stretch of the expressway.

The impact of the crash spilled fuel across the highway, sparking a massive fire that spread rapidly.

TRACE spokesperson, Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the details in a statement.

It reads: “The case of an inferno caused by a 30,000-litre fuel-laden tanker which fell on its side and spilled its contents around 0100hrs today, along the Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Sagamu Interchange stretch of the PMB Expressway, due to excessive speed and loss of control, has been reported.”

The fire consumed other vehicles along the route, including a truck and a tow vehicle parked by the roadside. Electricity supply in nearby Mowe and surrounding areas was also cut off after power lines and PHCN cables were destroyed in the blaze.

Emergency agencies, including TRACE, the Ogun State and Nestlé PLC Fire Services, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Police, were deployed to the scene to extinguish the flames and begin the decantation process.

Mr Akinbiyi added that casualty figures remain unconfirmed as of press time.

“Though the casualty figures cannot be ascertained presently, rescue and emergency services … are still on the ground to restore normalcy and orderliness after quenching the fire and carrying out the decantation process,” he said.

Traffic within the corridor has been diverted to a single lane to allow responders to continue operations. Motorists have been urged to exercise patience and cooperate with the diversion arrangements.

Recall that similar fuel tanker explosions have been reported across Nigeria in recent years, often with deadly consequences.

In October 2024, a tanker fire along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway claimed at least one life and destroyed multiple vehicles. In July 2025, a brake failure triggered another explosion in Ibadan, damaging cars and properties.