Men of the Kwara State Fire Service on Tuesday averted what could have been a major fire disaster along the Ilorin-Jebba expressway where a fuel-ladden petrol tanker fell into a gutter.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the petrol tanker with registration the number P 3517 LA, loaded with 45,000 litres of petroleum lost control at Oko-Olowo-Ilorin area of the Ilorin – Jebba expressway, forcing the driver to veer off the road.
Spokesperson of the state Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle who confirmed the development, said the swift intervention of the firefighters saved the petrol tanker from going up in flames.
Adekunle said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that while in motion, the tanker’s engine suddenly switched off, causing a loss of compressed air from the air tank and subsequent brake failure. In an attempt to mitigate the situation, the driver steered the vehicle into a roadside gutter, which resulted in the tanker spilling its contents.
“Thanks to the swift intervention of the firemen, a major fire disaster was averted. The team immediately drenched the surroundings and the tanker to prevent ignition, while ensuring public safety. Furthermore, the spilled product was safely siphoned into another tanker with registration number T-21470 LA”.
Adekunle noted that several shops and business premises were close to the scene, but due to the professional handling by the Fire Service, no fire outbreak or loss of life was recorded.
“Also present at the scene were officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) who ensured the free flow of traffic and supported the operation. The Fire Service deeply appreciates their cooperation,” he said.
In his reaction, the Director of Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa advised motorists, especially tanker drivers, to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles, with special attention to braking systems and compressed air tanks to avoid preventable emergencies.
He also appealed to residents to always maintain safe distance from accident scenes involving petroleum products and to immediately call the Fire Service in case of emergencies.
