A devastating accident occurred along the Ijebu-Ode/Ore Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria, involving a Toyota Hiace minibus that exploded, tragically killing 18 people.
According to reports, the explosion was triggered by a jerrycan of petrol being improperly stored inside the vehicle.
The jerrycan fell during the journey and spilled fuel, which subsequently ignited after coming into contact with the exhaust pipe.
The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the minibus and leaving the victims burned beyond recognition.
The driver, who sustained burns but survived, recounted that the petrol container had fallen due to the rough conditions of the road. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to control the fire and transport the bodies to a local mortuary.
Traffic officials warned the public about the dangers of transporting petrol in vehicles, urging strict adherence to safety regulations to avoid such catastrophic incidents in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of road safety measures and the severe risks associated with transporting flammable materials without proper precautions.
Families of the victims have been left devastated, while authorities are conducting further investigations into the exact circumstances leading to the accident.
