One dead, 18 vehicles burnt in Ibadan accident

One person was confirmed dead and at least, 18 vehicles were burnt when a truck ferrying petroleum products from Lagos to Ibadan collided with another truck loaded with wheat at Oremeji junction, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ibadan on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the driver of the wheat truck with number plate JGW 418 XA lost control of the vehicle around 7am and ran into the petrol tanker which skidded off the road and caught fire as it fell.

The content of the tanker was spilled on the road, stretching about two kilometres as people ran for safety.

Among the vehicles burnt were five articulated vehicles, a Nissan Micra used for taxi, two commercial buses and other vehicles that were burnt beyond recognition.

One of the eyewitnesses, Michael Adetunji, said he was waiting for a taxi to take him to church when the incident happened.

“I was going to church in the morning and I decided to take a taxi instead of driving. I was waiting for the taxi when the wheat truck ran into the truck loaded with fuel.

“The tanker fell and somersaulted several times immediately as the driver was making attempt to avoid the imminent collision.

“There was a huge fire immediately and some vehicles were caught in the inferno. I saw a dead body but maybe there is more because I don’t know how the driver and other occupants of the vehicle carrying petroleum product could survive without the special grace of God.

“After the fire, we will be able to ascertain the number of casualties.”

When contacted, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed the incident.

“I heard about it and alerted the control room to move to the place. As we speak, our men are still there. I do not have the detail of the accident because we are still investigating.

“I can also confirm that one person died in the fire and several vehicles were burnt,” Ajisebutu said.

The accident caused a gridlock on the expressway, as vehicles could no longer continue their journey on both sides of the road for about five hours.

Many commuters also sought alternative routes, while some abandoned their journey.

Men of the Oyo State Fire Service and security personnel were said to be making frantic efforts to clear the road.