At least five people have been killed after a diesel tanker reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into several vehicles along the Iwo Road-Ojoo Expressway in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The fatal accident occurred at about 10 a.m. on Saturday around Aduloju Bus Stop, opposite Dominion City, and involved a fully loaded diesel tanker, commercial Nissan Micra cars and other vehicles.

The General Manager of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Adeoye Ayoade, confirmed the incident to Sunday PUNCH, attributing the traffic congestion that preceded the crash to an earlier breakdown involving a trailer carrying motor spare parts.

According to Ayoade, the trailer broke down around the Arilogu area at approximately 5 a.m., leaving vehicles backed up along the busy expressway.

He said the trailer’s driver was reportedly taken to hospital while arrangements were being made to transfer its load to another vehicle, contributing to a prolonged traffic build-up.

“The tanker carrying diesel lost its brake and fell. About six vehicles were involved in the crash, both private cars and Micra. The tank on the truck then rolled on top of one of the Micra,” Ayoade said.

He confirmed that all five occupants of the affected commercial vehicle died in the crash. The victims comprised two men, including the driver, and three women who were seated at the back.

The Oyo State Police Command also confirmed the accident. Its Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the crash occurred around Kajorepo.

Ayanlade disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Divisional Police Officer in Kajorepo and nearby patrol teams to secure the scene and assist in rescue operations immediately after the command received the report.

The victims’ bodies were subsequently deposited at the Adeoyo Hospital mortuary, according to the OYRTMA general manager, while the damaged vehicles were towed to a police station.

Personnel of OYRTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps and the police were deployed to the scene to coordinate emergency operations, remove the wreckage and manage traffic.

Footage from the scene showed the tanker’s container resting on top of a Nissan Micra, with the occupants trapped inside the badly damaged vehicle. The tanker was later lifted, allowing emergency personnel to recover the victims.

The crash caused severe traffic congestion along the Iwo Road-Ojoo Expressway, a major route for motorists travelling through Ibadan.

Ayoade, however, said the affected vehicles had been cleared from the road and traffic flow had been restored.

The incident highlights the dangers posed by heavy-vehicle breakdowns, traffic congestion and suspected brake failure on busy highways. The precise circumstances surrounding the tanker’s loss of control would require confirmation from the relevant investigating authorities.