Operatives of the Oyo State Fire Service have averted a major disaster after a petrol tanker carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) lost control and fell, spilling its contents along the Oyo/Ogbomoso expressway.
The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. on Thursday at Onigari village in Oyo State. Eyewitnesses said the accident happened as the driver attempted to navigate through potholes, causing the tanker to tip over and begin leaking fuel.
One of the witnesses, Remi Olasunkanmi, said, “The driver was trying to manoeuvre through the potholes when the tanker lost balance. If not for the prompt response of the fire service team, it could have resulted in a massive fire outbreak.”
Confirming the incident on Friday, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, said the swift intervention of the agency’s personnel prevented what could have been a catastrophic explosion.
“The Oyo zonal command responded to a petrol tanker accident reported at exactly 12:34 hrs on Thursday, July 3. A trailer tanker with registration number BKA 661 XA (Kaduna), loaded with 45,000 litres of PMS, had fallen by the roadside, with its cab detached and fuel gushing out,” he stated.
According to Akinwande, the firemen, led by Chief Fire Superintendent Tijani, quickly applied fire-retardant chemicals and implemented all necessary safety precautions to avert an explosion.
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The incident also drew the attention of the SAFER Highway Patrol team, who provided security at the scene.
Thanks to their timely intervention, no fire or casualties were recorded.
