Many commuters escaped death on Saturday when a loaded petroleum tanker suddenly went up in flames at Ajia junction, Ibadan-Ife Road, Ibadan.
Gatekeepers News reports that the driver of the tanker was attempting to divert to another lane when it caught fire at about 4.45 pm.
A mini truck, one commuter bus, a Micra car, one tricycle, and two motorcycles got burnt in the accident.
An eyewitness named Biodun Ayoola told newsmen that all occupants of the affected vehicles and cycles ran for their dear lives on sighting the petrol tanker on fire.
Ayoola said the ongoing construction of a pedestrian bridge at Ajia junction made the contractor block one lane, diverting vehicles to the other lane.
He said, “The petrol tanker caught fire while trying to link the other lane and exploded but we thank God that all the occupants of the affected vehicles and motorcycles escaped from the scene before the explosion.”
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Oyo State, Mayowa Odewo confirmed the incident.
Odewo said officers of the command in Egbeda axis were still at the scene and a statement would be issued as soon as operations are completed.
