Tension gripped the Ijabe community in Odo-Otin local government area of Osun state on Saturday after a fuel-laden tanker exploded while traveling along the road.

The incident, which occurred around noon, involved a tanker headed towardKwara State.

While no casualties were reported as of the time of filing this report, firefighters were on the scene working to contain the blaze.

The explosion caused significant gridlock, forcing commuters to seek alternative routes. Some residents of the community joined forces with the firefighters to help extinguish the flames.

Efforts to restore normalcy in the area are ongoing.

A resident of the community named John said: ?The tanker was going towards Offa, Kwara State when it suddenly caught fire at Ijabe. We fled, we don?t know where the driver is, but we were told that he escaped with his motorboy.?

When contacted, the spokesperson of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Osun State Command, Kehinde Adeleke confirmed the incident.

She said: ?A Thirty-three thousand liters tanker fully loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is on fire presently at Ijabe town, right on the highway which links Osun state with Kwara state.

?The cause of the fire outbreak is yet to be ascertained. The incident has led to blockage of road and has also obstructed vehicular movement, which in turn has brought about panic to the dwellers, travelers and most especially the farmers around the area.? (The Nation)