Firefighters avert disaster as petrol tanker crashes at Kwara filling station

A major fire disaster was averted in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Monday after firefighters responded swiftly to an accident involving a 45,000-litre petrol tanker at a filling station.

The incident occurred at about 6:02 a.m. at YTK Filling Station, opposite the Youth Camp in the Apata area of Eyenkorin, according to Daily Post.

The spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said the tanker, with registration number ARP 51 XB, was involved in the accident after the driver reportedly lost control while attempting to reposition the vehicle within the station’s premises.

According to Mr Adekunle, the tanker rammed into the station’s perimeter fence, causing the compartment carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to detach from the truck.

Mr Adekunle said firefighters quickly secured the area and immediately began cooling and dampening operations to prevent the highly flammable product from igniting.

“The vehicle struck the station’s perimeter fence, causing the tanker compartment containing the PMS to detach from the truck.

“On arrival, firefighters swiftly secured the scene and commenced intensive cooling and dampening operations to eliminate any potential source of ignition and prevent the outbreak of fire.

“Their prompt intervention ensured that the highly flammable product did not ignite despite the dangerous circumstances.

“The spilled fuel was subsequently and safely siphoned into another empty tanker under the close supervision of the fire service, bringing the operation to a successful conclusion without any loss of life, injury, or damage by fire,” he said.

Fire service commends responders

The Chief Fire Officer, Alabi Muhammed, praised the emergency responders for their professionalism and timely action, noting that their intervention prevented what could have become a major catastrophe.

Mr Muhammed also advised tanker drivers and petroleum marketers to adhere strictly to established safety procedures during the transportation, parking and handling of petroleum products, stressing that caution remains the best way to prevent avoidable emergencies.

Road accidents involving petroleum tankers have remained a major safety concern in Nigeria, often resulting in devastating fires, loss of lives and destruction of property.

Fire authorities have repeatedly urged tanker operators to comply with safety regulations and ensure the proper handling of flammable products to reduce the risk of similar incidents.