At least three persons are feared dead after a tanker burst into flames in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) tanker was trying to offload fuel around the Iwo road environs of the state capital when it caught fire.

Three persons have been reported dead while five others sustained serious burns. Property worth several millions of naira were also lost to the inferno.

The raging inferno also torched eight shops, while two Sport Utility Vehicles were not spared as they were burnt to ashes.

The incident occurred beside Energy filling station at Orogun Junction via Iwo Road/Ojoo Expressway between 11am and 1pm on Tuesday.

Thick smoke covered the atmosphere as most shops and car owners packed in some perimeters close to the scene. Frantic efforts to retrieve some valuables failed due to the intensity of the fire.

An eye witness, Dr. Ayo Osisanwo, said the unfortunate incident occurred when a NNPC truck was offloading fuel from a fuel –laden truck belonging to the corporation and had fallen off the road.