Two individuals tragically lost their lives when a tanker carrying petrol exploded at Imope Village in Oru Ijebu along the Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 AM on Saturday, July 13, 2024, when the driver of the tanker, identified by the number plate T 623 LA X, lost control of the vehicle.
Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed that the truck, loaded with 45,000 litres of petrol, veered off the road and overturned, triggering the explosion. The blast resulted in the fatalities of the driver, Salau Semiu, and his assistant, Saheed.
“The truck was carrying 45,000 litres of petrol loaded from Pinnacle Petrol Depot in Lagos and was travelling from Ijebu Ode towards Ibadan, Oyo State,” she said.
“We initiated an investigation into the accident, with the scene being visited by the Divisional Police Officer, Oru Division who mobilised traffic personnel to halt vehicular movement as well as the Ogun State Fire Service, who responded swiftly and the inferno was surmounted.
“Documentary photographs were taken, while the bodies of Salau Semiu and Saheed have been deposited in the State General Hospital mortuary. Emergency services, the Federal Road Safety Corps, OGS TRACE, and other security stakeholders were mobilised to manage the situation and clear the roadway.”
