A tragic tanker explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, claimed two lives in the early hours of Tuesday. The incident took place around 5:00 am near Gabster Mega Petrol Station in the Orita Challenge area of Oluyole Local Government.

According to eyewitnesses, the victims were the tanker driver and his assistant, known as the motor boy, both of whom were trapped in the blaze and burnt beyond recognition. “It happened around 5:00 this morning,” one witness recounted. “The driver and his motor boy couldn’t escape the flames. They were completely unrecognizable after the fire.”

Reports indicate that the Oyo State Fire Service, alongside security operatives, worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby businesses and residential areas. A source confirmed the collaborative efforts helped avert a larger disaster.

Moroof Akinwande, the Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform to Governor Seyi Makinde and Chairman of the State Fire Services Agency, confirmed the incident. He noted that firefighters responded promptly after receiving a distress call at 5:15 am. “We were alerted to the fire at Gabster Mega Petrol Station in Orita Challenge,” Akinwande said. “Our team acted swiftly, and the situation is now under control.”