Firefighters avert disaster in Ilorin after 45,000-litre petrol tanker breaks apart 

A swift response by the Kwara State Fire Service on Monday prevented what could have been a devastating fire outbreak after a petrol tanker carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit in its tank suffered an accident at a filling station in Eyenkorin, Ilorin.

The incident occurred at YTK Filling Station, opposite the Youth Camp in the Apata area, when the tanker, bearing registration number ARP 51 XB, reportedly fell on its side while the driver was attempting to reposition it within the station premises.

According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the tanker rammed into the station’s fence, causing the compartment containing the fuel to detach from the truck and creating a potentially dangerous situation.

The Fire Service said it received the emergency call at about 6:02 a.m. and immediately dispatched firefighters to the scene.

Firefighters quickly secured the area and began intensive cooling and dampening operations to eliminate possible ignition sources, successfully preventing the highly flammable fuel from catching fire.

The spilled petrol was later safely transferred into another empty tanker under the supervision of fire officials, bringing the rescue operation to a successful conclusion without any casualties, injuries or fire damage.

Chief Fire Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, praised the emergency responders for their professionalism and prompt intervention.

Muhammed said the firefighters’ “timely intervention prevented what could have escalated into a catastrophic incident.”

He also advised tanker drivers and petroleum marketers to strictly adhere to safety guidelines during the transportation, parking and handling of petroleum products.

Muhammed stressed that “caution remains the most effective means of preventing avoidable emergencies,” urging operators in the sector to prioritise safety at all times.