Six dead as tankers, trucks, cars collide on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway

Six persons have lost their lives in a multiple-vehicle crash involving tankers, articulated trucks and passenger cars at the Ibadan Toll Gate axis of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, the Oyo State Fire Service has confirmed.

The fatal accident, which occurred on Friday night, triggered a fire outbreak that led to severe traffic congestion, leaving commuters stranded for several hours into Saturday along the busy highway corridor.

Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr Moroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, noting that eight other victims were rescued from the wreckage and handed over to officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, for medical attention.

According to him, the agency received a distress call at about 9:29 p.m. from a police officer, Sola Rotimi, prompting the immediate deployment of fire service personnel to the scene.

Akinwande said responders met about six vehicles involved in the crash, including gas tankers, heavy-duty trucks and two cars, with parts of the scene already engulfed in flames upon arrival.

“The crew quickly swung into action, and the fire was restricted from causing further damage to other vehicles and nearby properties,” he said.

He further disclosed that preliminary investigations suggested brake failure as a possible cause of the accident.

The Fire Service boss urged motorists to exercise caution while using highways and ensure that their vehicles are equipped with functional fire extinguishers to help contain emergencies before they escalate.

Footage shared on social media showed a massive traffic build-up as burnt tankers obstructed a section of the expressway, with charred remains of vehicles and debris scattered across the road. The situation caused significant frustration among stranded travellers.

Popular comedian Bayegun Oluwatoyin, known as Woli Arole, was among those caught in the gridlock. In a video shared on Facebook on Saturday, he lamented the prolonged delay, stating that motorists had been stuck for about three to four hours.

He suggested that an earlier vehicle fire may have contributed to worsening the traffic situation and called on road safety authorities to intervene urgently.

The video showed a long stretch of stationary vehicles, including trucks and cars, extending along the expressway.

“People have been here for three to four hours. If you are planning to come to Ibadan today, just stay back. There was a vehicle fire on the road yesterday or so. It’s serious. We are close to Guru Maharaj Ji,” he said.