A tanker carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, overturned at Ayanyan area along the Ogbomoso/Ilorin Expressway in Oyo State on Friday, May 30, 2025.

According to officials, the tanker with registration number MAG 20 XB (Borno) lost control and veered off the road, swerving into a nearby pit. The incident occurred around 12:30 hours, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Hon. Maroof Akinwande, Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Saturday. He detailed how firefighters quickly responded to the distress call reported by Alfa Kabiru Aderibigbe.

"The firemen, led by PFS11 Oluwaleye, quickly deployed to the scene of the accident," Akinwande stated. "On arrival, they found the petrol tanker had lost control and swerved into a nearby pit."

Swift Emergency Response

The fire service team took immediate preventive measures to avert a potential disaster. "We swiftly swung into action by carpeting the spillage with foam chemical compound and neutralizing the flammability from trigger ignition that might lead to a fire outbreak," explained Akinwande.

The prompt response by emergency services ensured that no lives were lost in the incident. Properties worth millions of naira were also saved from potential destruction, according to the Fire Services Agency.

CFS Awoyemi Seyi coordinated the operation, while teams from the Nigeria Police Force and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were also present at the scene to provide security and manage traffic flow, respectively.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of transporting hazardous materials on Nigerian highways and the critical importance of emergency preparedness. The quick response from the fire service prevented what could have potentially been a major disaster in the Ogbomoso community.

Authorities have not yet released information regarding the cause of the accident or whether any charges will be filed against the tanker driver.