Firefighters in Kwara State successfully prevented a major fire disaster on Thursday morning at Olori town, along the new Jebba highway, after a petrol tanker spilled approximately 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The incident occurred around 09:08 hours when the tank detached from the truck during transit, posing a serious threat to lives and property in the densely populated area. The tanker, with registration number OYO 45 AA, was transporting fuel from Lagos to Abuja when the accident happened.
The driver noticed an unusual sound while driving and pulled over to inspect the vehicle. After finding no visible damage, he prepared to continue his journey when the tank suddenly separated from the truck head. This led to a massive spillage of PMS, which spread across the road and nearby structures. The location, surrounded by homes, shops, and vehicles, made the situation extremely dangerous due to the high flammability of petroleum products.
Emergency responders from the Kwara State Fire Service arrived promptly and initiated preventive firefighting operations. They drenched the spilled fuel and surrounding areas with water to prevent spontaneous ignition and reduce the risk of explosion. Firefighters remained on standby throughout the operation, ensuring no sparks or heat sources could trigger a fire.
The dangerous situation was brought under control as the spilled PMS was safely syphoned into another empty tanker. Chief Fire Officer Alabi Muhammed praised the swift response and professionalism of the firefighters, highlighting the critical need for immediate action in such emergencies. He stressed that petroleum product incidents demand coordinated efforts due to their volatile nature.
Muhammed also urged tanker drivers to conduct thorough pre-trip and mid-journey inspections of their vehicles. He advised them to report any mechanical issues, leaks, or strange noises immediately to emergency services. He further warned communities and motorists to avoid approaching spilled petroleum products and to refrain from using open flames or electronic devices near the scene.
The incident underscores the importance of safety measures in the transportation of hazardous materials across Nigeria’s roads. As fuel logistics remain a vital part of daily life, the actions taken by the fire service serve as a reminder of the risks involved and the necessity for vigilance. Authorities are expected to review safety protocols for tanker operations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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