Panic erupted on Sunday afternoon at Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, when a 40-foot tanker lost control while descending the slope, crashing into several vehicles.
At least three people were reportedly injured, while six vehicles were damaged in the multiple crash.
The tanker, laden with groundnut oil, was said to have suffered brake failure while descending from the Ikpoba Hill/Ramat Park axis.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, confirmed the crash, describing it as a multiple accident.
She said no death had been reported, urging the public to await the official report.
ASP Ikoedem added that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area and other officers were still at the scene, working to clear the road at press time.
Witnesses, however, said the tanker driver struggled to regain control before the vehicle hit a pothole at the Ikpoba River Bridge.
The impact reportedly jerked the steering wheel, sending the tanker off course and into other vehicles.
It was gathered that some of the injured victims were trapped beneath the damaged vehicles before being evacuated to hospital.
The crash triggered a major traffic gridlock along the busy Ikpoba Hill route as motorists struggled to navigate the affected section.
Personnel of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps, police and fire service responded to the scene for rescue operations, traffic control and safety management.
