60,000 Litres of Petrol Spill as Tanker Somersaults on Oyo-Ogbomoso Highway — Massive Disaster Averted by Firefighters

Panic gripped commuters and residents around Irepo Junction along the Oyo-Ogbomoso Expressway on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, after a fuel-laden tanker carrying 60,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) somersaulted, spilling its highly flammable content across the roadside. The accident, involving a HOWO trailer with registration number KMC65ZC (Kano), was blamed on driver negligence and loss of control while on motion.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying, as petrol gushed uncontrollably from the overturned tanker moments after the crash. Many feared a catastrophic explosion, especially with motorists and roadside traders nearby. But thanks to the swift intervention of the Oyo State Fire Service, what could have been a fatal inferno was professionally contained.

Fire officials arrived promptly at the scene following a distress call at exactly 3:51 pm. The agency’s chairman, Hon. Maroof Akinwande, revealed that chemical foam compounds were immediately deployed to suppress the high-risk spillage and neutralise any chance of combustion. “Our team acted fast to prevent what could have been a black Wednesday,” he stated.

The Federal Fire Service and officers of the Nigerian Police Force from the Ojongbodu Division provided backup during the operation, securing the area and helping to redirect traffic as a precaution. Authorities confirmed that no life was lost, and the driver sustained only minor injuries. Residents lauded the emergency responders for averting a major disaster.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is expected to release a formal accident report in the coming days. Sources within the agency hinted that the truck was likely over-speeding or improperly handled, as the Oyo-Ogbomoso axis is notorious for similar fuel-related crashes in recent months. Investigations into the truck’s compliance with safety and maintenance protocols are ongoing.

Oyo State residents have raised fresh concerns over the increasing number of fuel tanker accidents on major highways. Advocacy groups are calling on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to enforce stricter movement rules for petroleum carriers and mandate comprehensive training for tanker drivers across the country.

While tragedy was narrowly avoided this time, the incident serves as a wake-up call. Stakeholders warn that without decisive government intervention, Nigeria may continue to record avoidable fuel-related highway disasters, especially during the rainy season when road conditions worsen and visibility is poor.