Major Tragedy Averted in Kwara as Fire Service Prevents Tanker Explosion

A swift and professional response from the Kwara State Fire Service averted what could have been a catastrophic disaster on Tuesday evening. A petrol tanker, loaded with 45,000 litres of fuel, suffered a mechanical failure, leading to a brake malfunction along the busy Ilorin–Bode-Saadu–Jebba Expressway.

According to a statement from the service’s Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle, the tanker lost control and swerved into a roadside gutter. This action caused a significant fuel spill, creating an immediate and grave risk of an explosion. However, firefighters arrived at the scene quickly and took decisive action. They immediately began drenching the area and the tanker with water and foam to prevent any spark from igniting the highly flammable fuel.

In a well-coordinated operation, the spilled product was safely transferred into another tanker. The timely intervention of the firefighters and the presence of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials who helped manage traffic ensured that the incident was handled without any loss of life or property. The quick action is being praised for preventing a major tragedy in an area where several businesses and shops are located.