Heroic Rescue on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: Firefighters Avert Disaster as 45,000L Petrol Tanker Overturns

 

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria's busiest arterial road, was the scene of a high-stakes emergency on Thursday, February 12, 2026, when a massive petrol tanker overturned, threatening a catastrophic explosion. In a display of rapid response and professional bravery, the Oyo State Fire Service Agency successfully intervened to prevent what could have been one of the most devastating road disasters of the year. The incident, which occurred at the Flower Mill area near the Toll Gate in Ibadan, saw a DAF trailer laden with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) spill its highly flammable content across the asphalt, putting thousands of commuters and nearby properties at immediate risk.

​The Incident: 45,000 Litres of Peril

​The emergency began at approximately 9:06 a.m. when the Oyo State Fire Service received a frantic distress call reporting that a fuel-laden tanker had lost control and flipped while in motion. Upon arriving at the scene, the firefighting team, led by Chief Fire Superintendent Adesina, discovered the overturned DAF tanker gushing petrol.

​The situation was critical. On a highway as congested as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the slightest spark—from a passing vehicle's exhaust or a bystander's cigarette—could have triggered a massive fireball. The spilled 45,000 litres of PMS represented a ticking time bomb, capable of incinerating vehicles for hundreds of yards in every direction.

​The Rescue: How Disaster Was Averted

​The firefighting crew immediately initiated a "blanketing" operation. Using specialized foam chemical compounds, the team worked tirelessly to neutralize the petrol. This foam acts as a barrier, cutting off oxygen and suppressing the volatile vapors that lead to ignition.

​While the firefighters battled the spill, security support was provided by the Nigerian Police (Toll Gate Division) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC, Oluyole Division). Together, they established a safety perimeter and managed the resulting gridlock, ensuring that panicked motorists did not inadvertently cause a secondary accident. By 4:04 p.m., the team had successfully stabilized the wreckage and cleared the road for decanting and recovery, reporting zero casualties and no property damage.

​Strategic Insights: Why Swift Intervention Matters

​Hon. (Dr) Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, highlighted that the success of the operation was due to the 9-minute response window. In firefighting, the first ten minutes are known as the "platinum minutes," where intervention can prevent a small fire or spill from becoming an uncontrollable inferno.

​He further urged all motorists to carry functional fire extinguishers, noting that early suppression by citizens can save lives before official responders arrive. The agency has also streamlined its emergency reporting, encouraging residents to use the toll-free number 615 or their direct lines (08067439223, 08054353501) to report such hazards instantly.

​Road Safety in 2026: A Growing Concern

​The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway remains a flashpoint for tanker-related accidents due to a combination of high-speed travel and heavy-duty logistics. This recent event serves as a stark reminder of the "Otedola Bridge" tragedies of the past, reinforcing the need for stricter vehicle maintenance and driver discipline. Authorities are calling for:

• ​Enhanced Tanker Maintenance: Frequent brake and tire checks to prevent loss of control.
• ​Speed Regulation: Strict adherence to speed limits for articulated vehicles.
• ​Rapid Response Infrastructure: The continued funding of fire stations along major highway corridors to maintain low response times.

​Conclusion: A Salute to the Frontline Heroes

​The prevention of an explosion at the Flower Mill area is a testament to the growth and efficiency of Nigeria’s emergency services. As normalcy returns to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Oyo State Fire Service remains on high alert. Their successful neutralizing of 45,000 litres of fuel saved not just the road, but potentially hundreds of lives.