The 45,000-litre tanker reportedly suffered brake failure and crushed a commercial car amid heavy traffic along the Iwo Road–Ojoo Expressway, leaving two men and three women dead.

IBADAN, Oyo State — Five people have been killed in a fatal road accident involving a fully loaded diesel tanker and several vehicles along the Iwo Road–Ojoo Expressway in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The crash occurred at about 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, around Aduloju Bus Stop, opposite Dominion City, throwing the busy road into chaos.

The tanker, reportedly carrying 45,000 litres of diesel, allegedly suffered brake failure before crashing into several vehicles, including commercial Nissan Micra cars. The heavy vehicle subsequently fell onto one of the cars, trapping its occupants inside the mangled wreckage.

According to the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA), the victims comprised two men, including the driver of one of the commercial vehicles, and three women who were passengers.

The tragedy was reportedly compounded by heavy traffic congestion along the route, which had slowed the movement of vehicles before the crash.

OYRTMA General Manager, Adeoye Ayoade, explained that a trailer transporting motor spare parts had broken down around Arilogu earlier in the morning, triggering a long traffic build-up that affected movement along the expressway.

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The resulting congestion created difficult traffic conditions as motorists navigated the busy route, with the tanker crash ultimately claiming five lives.

Police, FRSC, OYRTMA Respond to Scene

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident, disclosing that the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed officers to secure the scene and support rescue efforts.

Police personnel, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and OYRTMA were deployed to the scene to assist in the emergency response, manage traffic and facilitate the removal of the wreckage.

The victims' bodies were subsequently taken to the Adeoyo Hospital mortuary.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by heavy-duty vehicles on busy roads, particularly when mechanical failures occur amid traffic congestion.

The circumstances surrounding the crash underscore the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, effective traffic management and strict adherence to road safety regulations to prevent avoidable loss of lives.