Diesel tanker crash at Ibadan-Ife Toll Gate causes massive spillage. Oyo Fire Service and FRSC contain threat, restore traffic after swift response
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]iesel tanker crash Ibadan sent emergency responders into swift action on Wednesday night after a truck carrying 15,000 litres of diesel overturned and spilled its contents along the Ibadan-Ife Expressway.
Also read: Trailer accident causes gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway outward bound
The incident occurred at the Toll Gate section of the expressway around 8:11 pm when the driver of the diesel-laden MAN trailer reportedly lost control.
The vehicle somersaulted and veered off the road, resulting in a major spillage that threatened to ignite a fire if not urgently contained.
Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the accident in a statement issued on Thursday.
He revealed that emergency personnel from the agency, led by Chief Fire Superintendent Adedeji, arrived promptly at the scene to manage the potentially hazardous situation.
“The agency’s personnel, led by CFS Adedeji, swiftly responded to the emergency call. On arrival, we met a fallen MAN trailer tanker with registration number Lagos:
EPE 299 XN of 15,000 litres capacity, loaded with Automotive Gas Oil, which had lost control while in motion and swerved to the roadside, with its content gushing out,” Akinwande said.
Firefighters quickly deployed chemical foam compound to cover the area and suppress any flammable vapours from the spilled diesel.
Their action prevented what could have turned into a catastrophic fire outbreak, considering the flammable nature of the substance involved.
According to the fire chief, “The accident was due to a lack of absolute concentration whilst driving by the truck driver. Vehicular movement has been restored to the road.”
In addition to the fire service, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps were on ground to manage traffic flow and ensure road users were safely redirected while the emergency response lasted.
Although no casualties were reported, the incident highlighted the urgent need for stricter safety enforcement among long-haul drivers and better monitoring of hazardous material transport across the region.
Also read: ‘Multiple accidents’ Panic as truck dangles from bridge along Lagos-Ibadan expressway
The prompt and coordinated response by emergency agencies ensured that what began as a high-risk crash did not escalate into a disaster.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
