Tanker Driver Dies as ‘Motor Boy’ Is Rescued in Oyo Fire Incident

A tragic fire incident on the Iwo-Ojoo Road in Ibadan, Oyo State, claimed the life of a petrol tanker driver while his assistant, commonly referred to as the ‘Motor Boy’, was miraculously rescued by firefighters.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, January 22, 2025, when a petrol tanker, which was carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), lost control and collided with two other trucks. The impact caused the tanker and the other vehicles to veer into a nearby ditch, resulting in a fierce fire that completely engulfed the petrol tanker.

I.A. Adeleke, the Director of Operations at the Oyo State Fire Service, confirmed that the driver was found lifeless in the wreckage, while the ‘Motor Boy’ was pulled out of the fire and rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH) for treatment.

Adeleke explained that while the petrol tanker was completely destroyed by the fire, the fire service personnel managed to save the two other trucks and several vehicle parts from the blaze.

The accident occurred when the petrol tanker, traveling along the road, lost control and collided with the two other trucks in front of it. Following the crash, the vehicles tumbled into a nearby ditch and ignited in flames.

Adeleke commended the prompt response of the fire service, which prevented the flames from spreading to nearby residential buildings. He noted that the tanker’s load of petroleum made the situation particularly hazardous.

“The fire was reported at 2:45 AM on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, by a caller, Mr. Akinbantan, who informed us of a petrol tanker on fire in front of Honourable Fijabi House, Agbowo, Ojoo/Iwo Road, Ibadan,” Adeleke said.

“Fire personnel, led by ACFS Ogunkanbi, were swiftly dispatched to the scene and arrived promptly. Upon arrival, we found three trucks about 20 meters apart, involved in the accident. We immediately took action, deploying chemical compounds to cover the fire and prevent it from spreading to the nearby residential area,” he added.

Thanks to the fire service’s quick and effective response, a major fire disaster was avoided, sparing both lives and property in the vicinity.