Kwara Fire Service, on Monday, averted a major fire disaster at a petrol filling station in Ilorin, the state capital.
The incident, which occurred at 06:02 hours at YTK Filling Station, opposite the Youth Camp, Apata area of Eyenkorin, involved a 45,000 litre petrol tanker registered ARP 51 XB.
The driver of the petrol tanker reportedly lost control while attempting to reposition the vehicle within the premises of the filling station, according to the spokesman of the state Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle in Ilorin on Monday.
“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,” the spokesman added.
The Chief Fire Officer, CFO, Alabi Muhammed, commended the professionalism and swift response of the firefighters whose timely intervention prevented what could have escalated into a catastrophic incident.
He also urged tanker drivers and petroleum marketers to strictly observe all safety procedures during the movement, parking, and handling of petroleum products, stressing that caution remains the most effective means of preventing avoidable emergencies.
