Six Dead as Tankers, Trucks, Cars Collide in Fiery Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash

Six people lost their lives while eight others were rescued after a multiple-vehicle crash involving tankers, heavy-duty trucks and passenger vehicles on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The accident occurred on Friday night near the Ibadan Toll Gate and was followed by a fire outbreak that caused massive traffic congestion along the busy highway.

The Oyo State Fire Service confirmed the incident on Saturday, stating that emergency responders were alerted shortly after the crash occurred. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call from a police officer.

Upon arrival, rescue officials found several vehicles involved in the collision, including gas tankers, articulated trucks and private cars. Parts of the accident scene had already been engulfed by fire, creating a dangerous situation for motorists and nearby road users.

Firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other vehicles and surrounding properties. Their efforts helped limit further destruction, while rescue operations continued at the scene.

Authorities said six victims died in the accident, while eight others were pulled from the wreckage and handed over to officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps for medical attention. The injured victims were taken for treatment as emergency teams cleared the area.

Preliminary findings indicated that brake failure may have played a role in the crash. Investigators are continuing efforts to determine the full circumstances that led to the collision.

The accident caused severe traffic gridlock that stretched for hours into Saturday morning. Burnt vehicles and debris blocked parts of the expressway, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded and slowing movement along one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.

Videos shared online showed long queues of stationary vehicles extending across sections of the road. Many commuters expressed frustration over the delay as traffic remained at a standstill for several hours.

Among those affected by the gridlock was comedian Bayegun Oluwatoyin, popularly known as Woli Arole, who documented the situation on social media. He described the lengthy wait experienced by motorists and called for quick intervention to ease traffic and restore normal movement on the expressway.

The incident has again raised concerns about road safety on major highways, particularly the condition of heavy-duty vehicles using the roads. Authorities have advised motorists to regularly inspect their vehicles and ensure safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, is available and functional to reduce risks during emergencies.

As investigations continue, road users have been urged to exercise caution and obey traffic regulations to help prevent similar tragedies.