The quick intervention by men of the Kwara State Fire Service on Friday averted what could have been a major fire disaster at Eyenkorin, a suburb of Ilorin, the state capital.
LEADERSHIP gathered that a petrol tanker with registration number AEG 680 SO conveying 45,000 litres of petroleum from Lagos to Sokoto had an accident at Kpasa Bridge at Eyenkorin section of Ilorin- Ogbomoso expressway, following a brake failure.
It was gathered that the incident, which occurred few minutes after 8am led the vehicle to overturn, lying upside down.
Spokesperson of Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident to LEADERSHIP, where he maintained that the swift intervention of the Service averted potential disaster.
“Upon receiving the distress call, our firefighters promptly mobilised to the scene and immediately secured the perimeter to prevent ignition. The team thoroughly drenched the environment to suppress heat emissions from the spilled product under direct sunlight. They maintained strategic standby while the petrol was being siphoned into another empty tanker to prevent further danger.
“Their professional conduct and quick response significantly minimised the risk of fire outbreak, showcasing once again the unwavering commitment and courage of the Kwara State Fire Service in safeguarding lives and property,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Director of the State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, has advised motorists and truck operators, especially those conveying highly flammable products to ensure regular maintenance of braking systems and adhere strictly to safe driving standards.
He emphasised that safety consciousness is the best prevention against avoidable disasters on our highways.
