Panic in Ibadan as petrol tanker explodes near Muslim Grammar School

Residents and shop owners in the Odinjo area of Ibadan were gripped by fear and confusion on Tuesday following the explosion of a 33,000-litre petrol tanker along the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan highway, near Muslim Grammar School.

According to eyewitness accounts, the chaos began when the tanker overturned while its driver tried to maneuver through a particularly bad section of the road. Within moments, the vehicle erupted in flames, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky and prompting panic across the neighborhood.

People in the area were seen fleeing for safety as shops were hastily closed and traffic came to a standstill. The explosion sparked immediate concern, especially given the proximity to residential and commercial buildings.

Thankfully, no casualties were reported, but the incident caused major disruption and alarm. Emergency responders and concerned locals quickly mobilized to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.

Sources at the scene confirmed that the driver lost control while maneuvering through the pothole-ridden stretch of the highway — a reminder of the urgent need for road repairs and stricter safety measures for tanker drivers.

“The truck skidded off the track before it landed on one of its sides.

“The timely arrival of the men of the State Fire Service saved the situation from generating into major tragedy”

Confirming the incident, the General Manager of the State Fire Service, Rev’d Akinyemi Akinyinka said it happened around Odinjo area.

“We have deployed our men to the area to arrest the situation. I am yet to get the details account of the incident.

“As at time of filing the report, the degree of the damage could not be ascertained.

“Also, there is no record of any life lost to the incident yet.”

The situation led to a build up of traffic at the Ibadan end of the Lagos highway but the Federal Road Safety Commission, (FRSC) and other security agencies have taken over traffic control in the area.

Sources also informed that a combined security teams have also arrived the scene of the incident.