Firefighters on Saturday averted a major disaster in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, after preventing a petrol tanker carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit from exploding following a mechanical fault.
The incident occurred around 9:40 a.m. at Madi Junction along the Oko-Olowo Expressway.
The Kwara State Fire Service, in a statement by its spokesperson, Hassan Adekunle, said the tanker developed a mechanical fault while in transit.
According to the statement, the situation worsened when the tank detached from the truck as the driver attempted to repair the faulty component, resulting in a leakage of the highly flammable petroleum product.
“It was while the driver was attempting to repair the affected part that the tank detached from the vehicle, resulting in the leakage of petroleum and posing a significant fire hazard,” Hassan said.
He said firefighters immediately secured the area and remained on standby throughout the operation while the leaking fuel was safely transferred into another tanker.
“Our firefighters immediately secured the area and remained on standby throughout the operation to ensure strict compliance with all safety measures.
“The emergency response team provided continuous fire protection while the petroleum was carefully transferred from the affected tanker to another tanker, preventing any possible ignition or escalation of the incident,” he added.
Adekunle added that the operation was completed without any fire outbreak, injuries or loss of life.
Commending the firefighters, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, urged tanker operators to carry out regular maintenance on their vehicles and promptly alert emergency responders whenever petroleum-related incidents occur.
Alabi said, “I commend our firefighters for their professionalism and prompt response, which prevented what could have been a major disaster.
“I also urge tanker operators and motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and to notify emergency responders immediately whenever petroleum-related emergencies occur. Prompt reporting is essential to safeguarding lives, property and the environment.”
