The Oyo State Fire Service has reported that six people were killed in a multiple-vehicle incident involving tankers, articulated lorries, and passenger automobiles at the Ibadan Toll Gate axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The deadly collision on Friday night sparked a fire that caused major traffic congestion, leaving travelers delayed for many hours into Saturday along the key highway corridor.
Mr Moroof Akinwande, Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, confirmed the tragedy in a statement on Saturday, noting that eight other casualties were recovered from the wreckage and handed over to officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for medical treatment.
According to him, at around 9:29 p.m., the agency received a distress call from a police officer named Sola Rotimi, necessitating the quick dispatch of fire service personnel to the area.
According to Akinwande, responders encountered around six vehicles involved in the incident, including gas tankers, heavy-duty trucks, and two cars, with parts of the area already ablaze in flames when they arrived.
“The crew quickly swung into action, and the fire was restricted from causing further damage to other vehicles and nearby properties,” he stated.
He also stated that preliminary findings showed braking failure as a possible cause of the tragedy.
The Fire Service chief asked motorists to use caution on roadways and ensure that their vehicles are equipped with operable fire extinguishers to assist contain emergencies before they escalate.
Social media footage showed a large traffic jam as burnt-out tankers obstructed a portion of the freeway, with charred vehicle remnants and debris littering the route. The issue prompted tremendous frustration among stranded travelers.
Popular comedian Bayegun Oluwatoyin, often known as Woli Arole, was among those caught up in the traffic. In a video posted on Facebook on Saturday, he criticized the protracted wait, claiming that motorists had been stuck for three to four hours.
He claimed that an earlier vehicle fire may have exacerbated the traffic situation and urged road safety officials to act quickly.
The footage showed a huge line of stationary vehicles, including trucks and cars, snaking down the freeway.
“People have been here for three or four hours. If you’re planned to visit Ibadan today, just remain. There was a car fire on the road yesterday or such. This is serious. “We are close to Guru Maharaj Ji,” he stated.