There were different accounts on how the explosion occurred. A version
said a tanker, belonging to Total Oil Nigeria Limited, collided with a
heavy log, skidded off its lane and fell on the expressway, spilling its
content.
Another version claimed a commercial bus marked (LAGOS) AGL 373 XR,
rammed into the truck with number plates RAN 571 XA, while transferring
its content into another truck, leading to multiple accidents, involving
four vehicles.
A third version said the driver of the fuel-laden truck moving towards
Ibadan, Oyo State, attempted to overtake another truck at a diversion
point, but lost control, veered off its lane and crashed into the
commercial bus that was coming from the opposite direction.
Road side hawkers of petroleum products, occupants of some shanties at
Kara area of Ibafo were affected. Eyewitnesses said some of the victims
were scooping the spilled content when the fire started. Users of the
ever busy expressway were trapped for over 10 hours, as the resultant
gridlock stretched from Arepo-Prayer city to Mowe.
