Petrol Tanker Explosion Sparks Panic in Lagos

A petrol tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) burst into flames on Sunday at Iyana-Isolo, inward Oshodi, Lagos, causing panic along the busy route and threatening to escalate into a major disaster.

The tanker reportedly overturned while in motion before exploding, with the fire spreading to at least four other trucks parked nearby.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said the situation could have led to widespread devastation if not for the swift intervention of emergency responders.

READ MORE: Troops Neutralize 12 ISWAP Fighters, Recover Weapons and Supplies in Borno

Personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), working with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the police divisions of Aswani, Ilasa and Mushin, and officers of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, quickly mobilised to contain the inferno.

According to LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the fire was successfully put under control after the affected stretch of road was cordoned off and traffic diverted. He confirmed that reinforcements from adjoining zones were also deployed to support the operation.

Bakare-Oki expressed relief that no casualties were recorded, crediting the outcome to the swift coordination of agencies on the ground.

He added: “LASTMA is committed to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring safe and sustainable traffic management across Lagos State.”

The GM further cautioned drivers of articulated vehicles, tankers, and heavy-duty trucks against reckless driving, which, according to preliminary findings, contributed to the accident.

He also urged residents to make use of LASTMA’s toll-free hotline, 080000527862, to report emergencies, assuring the public of the agency’s readiness to respond promptly to incidents.

The Niger State Police Command’s Anti-Thuggery Squad has apprehended nine individuals linked to violent activities and recovered dangerous weapons in different parts of Minna.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said in a statement that the arrests followed a sting operation carried out on August 26, 2025, between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. in the Soje A, Soje B, and Kpakungu areas of the state capital.