Fire Agency Recovers Two Bodies After Tanker Summersaults in Ibadan [PHOTO]

Two bodies have been recovered by personnel of the Oyo State Fire Service following a fatal road accident involving a petroleum products tanker on Saturday along the Ibadan/Lagos Expressway in the Sat Guru Mahraji area. The incident, which occurred around midday, involved a MAC trailer tanker with registration number BDJ 27IXG, carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The vehicle lost control, swerved off the road, and plunged into a nearby ditch, trapping two male occupants inside.

The Oyo State Fire Service responded swiftly to the scene and worked to extract the victims from the wreckage. Despite their efforts, both individuals were confirmed dead at the scene. Their remains were later handed over to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for further investigation and necessary procedures. The FRSC team, led by Comr. S. Oyegoke, took charge of the remains and began documentation processes as part of standard accident response protocols.

Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, released a statement on Sunday confirming the details of the crash. He stated that preliminary findings suggest brake failure was the likely cause of the accident. “Upon arrival, it was discovered that a MAC trailer tanker with registration number BDJ 27IXG (Oyo), loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), had swerved off the road and plunged into a nearby ditch,” Akinwande said. He added that the two male occupants were trapped and could not be saved.

The accident has raised concerns about road safety, especially for heavy-duty vehicles transporting dangerous goods like petroleum products. The Ibadan/Lagos Expressway is a major transport corridor, and frequent accidents along this route have prompted calls for improved maintenance and stricter enforcement of safety regulations. Authorities are now reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the condition of the tanker and its driver’s compliance with safety standards.

This tragic event underscores the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s transportation sector, where poor road infrastructure, vehicle maintenance issues, and human error often contribute to fatal crashes. The loss of life in such incidents highlights the urgent need for better monitoring, regular inspections, and enhanced emergency response coordination between agencies like the Fire Service and FRSC.

As investigations continue, families of the deceased await closure while authorities remind drivers and operators of the importance of routine vehicle checks, especially for commercial vehicles carrying hazardous materials. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in Nigeria’s daily transportation operations, and the need for sustained efforts to reduce road fatalities.