Petrol Tanker Loses Control, Crushes Six to Death, Destroys Tricycles in Ibadan 

By Tgnews Reporter

Tragedy struck the bustling Beere/Agodi Road axis in Ibadan on Tuesday afternoon when a petrol-laden tanker suddenly lost control, ploughing into several tricycles and killing at least six people on the spot.

The accident, which occurred around 1:15 p.m. near the Beere roundabout and extended toward the Oje market area, also left several others seriously injured and completely destroyed no fewer than six commercial tricycles, popularly known as ‘Keke Marwa’.

Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of chaos and panic as the heavy-duty tanker, reportedly carrying thousands of litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), veered off control due to suspected brake failure.

It first rammed into two tricycles near Beere, killing two passengers instantly, before continuing its deadly momentum into the busy market corridor, claiming four more lives.

All six victims were confirmed dead at the scene. Injured survivors were rushed to various hospitals in the city for urgent medical attention.

One survivor, who gave his name as Kamoru, narrowly escaped with his life. “The truck rammed into my tricycle, but I managed to survive,” he said, still visibly shaken.

In a heartbreaking account, a relative of one victim revealed the personal loss: “My brother named his daughter just three days ago. Now he is gone. He initially survived but lost both legs before eventually dying in the hospital.”

Another eyewitness, an okada rider identified as Gafaru, suggested the casualty figure could be higher. “There were bodies packed in bags that could not be immediately identified,” he said.

A senior police officer at the scene confirmed that two bodies and some damaged vehicles had been moved to the Mapo Divisional Police Station. The case has since been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a full investigation into the cause of the crash.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety in Oyo State, particularly the risks posed by articulated vehicles on busy inner-city roads shared with vulnerable commercial tricycles and pedestrians.

Residents have called on authorities to intensify enforcement of roadworthiness checks on tankers and improve emergency response times in such accidents.

As investigations continue, the Oyo State Government and relevant agencies are expected to issue further statements on support for the victims’ families and measures to prevent future occurrences.

This latest road tragedy adds to the growing list of fatal accidents involving fuel tankers across Nigeria, often attributed to mechanical failure, overspeeding, and poor vehicle maintenance.