Kwara escapes disaster as fully loaded petrol tanker detaches in busy community
Firefighters in Kwara State have averted a potentially devastating fire outbreak after a petrol tanker carrying about 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) detached from its truck head at Olori town along the new Jebba Highway.
The incident occurred at about 9:08 a.m. on Thursday in the densely populated community, where buildings, shops and vehicles were located close to the scene.
The tanker, with registration number OYO 45 AA, was reportedly conveying the petroleum product from Lagos to Abuja when the driver noticed an unusual sound while in transit.
According to information gathered at the scene, the driver immediately pulled over to inspect the vehicle. After finding no obvious fault, he was preparing to continue the journey when the tanker containing the PMS suddenly detached from the truck head.
The development created a serious fire risk, given the large quantity of highly flammable petroleum product and the proximity of people, buildings and vehicles.
Firefighters who arrived at the scene quickly commenced preventive operations, drenching the surrounding area and the tanker with water to prevent ignition and contain any possible escalation.
The emergency response team subsequently maintained a standby operation until the PMS was safely siphoned into another empty tanker.
Chief Fire Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, commended the firefighters for their professionalism and vigilance, stressing the need for swift and coordinated intervention whenever incidents involving petroleum products occur.
Muhammed urged tanker operators and drivers to conduct thorough inspections of their vehicles before and during long-distance journeys.
He also advised them to immediately alert emergency responders whenever they notice unusual sounds, leakage, mechanical faults or other warning signs while transporting petroleum products.
The fire chief further urged residents and motorists to keep a safe distance from petroleum tanker incidents and avoid activities capable of generating sparks or flames around spilled petroleum products.
