A fully loaded petrol tanker on Thursday lost control and rammed into the block of shops and thereafter burst into flames in Apata area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The incident happened at Apata Junction opposite Oando Filling Station, destroying many houses and shops.

The fire, which started around 6:15 p.m. led to traffic gridlock on the major Ibadan-Abeokuta highway.

A witness, who pleaded anonymity, said the tanker was coming from the NNPC area before it lost control and rammed into the shops opposite the filling station.

The numbers of shops and residential buildings affected by the fire were yet to be ascertained. 

However, it could not be immediately confirmed if there were casualties as at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the men of the state Fire Service were already at the scene battling to put out the fire.

The police spokesman in Oyo State, Olawale Osifeso, confirmed the incident.

Mr Osifeso said the command had deployed enough security officers to the scene to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

He said that update would be provided about the incident.

(NAN)