A fuel tanker explosion on Saturday afternoon wreaked havoc along Lead City University Road near the Ibadan Toll Gate in Oyo State, destroying shops, vehicles, and motorcycles in its path.

According to eyewitness accounts and emergency responders, the explosion occurred around 2:45 p.m. and resulted in property damage worth several millions of naira. One of the worst-hit establishments reportedly housed high-value computer equipment, all of which was consumed by the blaze.

While there was no loss of life reported, the driver of the truck and his assistant narrowly escaped the inferno.

“I just heard a bang from outside. At first, I thought it was gunshots. Before I knew it, everywhere was filled with thick smoke,” said one shop owner who lost all her inventory in the fire. “We called the fire service, but by the time they arrived, the damage was already done. I don’t know where to start again.”

Men of the Oyo State Fire Service, with support from the Federal Fire Service, were on the ground to bring the situation under control.

Eyewitness Tokunbo Ojo said the accident was likely caused by ongoing road repairs and the poor condition of the road, which forced the tanker to take a precarious detour.

“The truck fell on its side while trying to navigate potholes and exploded moments later,” he said. “We thank God no one died, but the loss is enormous.”

Confirming the incident, the General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Yemi Akinyinka, said firefighters were swiftly deployed and successfully contained the fire to prevent further spread.

Meanwhile, security personnel have been deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent possible unrest among aggrieved shop owners.