Firefighters prevent major fire after petrol tanker crash in Kwara

A big fire disaster was stopped in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Monday. Firefighters quickly acted after a 45,000-litre petrol tanker crashed at a filling station.

The accident took place around 6:02 a.m. at YTK Filling Station, across from the Youth Camp in the Apata area of Eyenkorin, according to DailyPost.

Hassan Adekunle, the spokesman for the Kwara State Fire Service, said the tanker, with registration number ARP 51 XB, crashed when the driver lost control while trying to move the vehicle within the station.

Adekunle explained that the tanker hit the filling station's perimeter fence, causing the part carrying Premium Motor Spirit, known as petrol, to come off the truck.

Firefighters quickly secured the area and started cooling and dampening operations to stop the highly flammable petrol from catching fire.

"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.

Alabi Muhammed, the Chief Fire Officer, praised the emergency responders for their quick and professional action. He noted that their work stopped what could have been a major disaster.

Muhammed also advised tanker drivers and petroleum marketers to follow safety rules when transporting, parking, and handling petrol products. He stressed that being careful is the best way to avoid unnecessary emergencies.

Accidents involving petrol tankers are a big safety issue in Nigeria. They often lead to serious fires, loss of lives, and damage to property.

Fire authorities have often called on tanker operators to follow safety regulations and handle flammable products properly to lower the risk of such accidents.