Fire outbreak was narrowly averted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Friday, May 30, 2025, when a petrol tanker carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, crashed along the Ogbomoso/Ilorin Expressway. The accident, which occurred in the Ayanyan area, raised serious fears of a fire outbreak due to the highly flammable nature of the spilled fuel.
The tanker, with registration number MAG 20 XB (Borno), reportedly lost control and veered off the road, plunging into a nearby pit. Eyewitnesses described the moment as tense and frightening, with the strong smell of petrol saturating the air. Local residents and road users feared the worst — a fire explosion that could claim lives and destroy property.
The Oyo State Fire Service was quick to respond to the emergency. In a statement released on Saturday, the Chairman of the Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, confirmed that a distress call was received around 12:30 p.m. on the day of the incident. The emergency call was reportedly made by Alfa Kabiru Aderibigbe, alerting the authorities to the accident involving a tanker laden with highly combustible fuel.
According to Akinwande, a team of trained firemen led by PFS11 Oluwaleye was immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered the overturned tanker lying in a ditch, leaking petrol and posing a critical fire outbreak.
“We swiftly swung into action by carpeting the spillage with foam chemical compound and neutralising the flammability from trigger ignition that might lead to a fire outbreak,” Akinwande stated. “No lives were lost, and properties worth millions of naira were saved thanks to the prompt intervention by the Fire Services Agency.”
The risk of a fire explosion was extremely high due to the large volume of petrol involved. Fire officials immediately employed foam concentrate to blanket the spill, reducing vapour and neutralising any chance of ignition. This critical step helped to contain the scene and ensured that no open flames or sparks could trigger a catastrophic fire event.
The presence of CFS Awoyemi Seyi, alongside teams from the Nigeria Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), was vital in managing the aftermath. Security officials cordoned off the area, restricted movement, and helped redirect traffic to ensure public safety.
Local residents were advised to stay away from the crash site and avoid using mobile phones or other electronic devices that could potentially trigger a spark. The quick coordination between emergency services and law enforcement played a crucial role in averting what could have been one of the worst fire-related accidents in recent memory.
Fire outbreak from Petrol Tankers Remain a Growing Concern
This incident has once again brought national attention to the increasing number of petrol tanker accidents in Nigeria and the persistent risk of fire outbreaks they pose. Fuel tankers routinely travel long distances across the country, often on poorly maintained roads and with inadequate safety standards.
Experts have repeatedly called for stricter regulations on the transportation of hazardous materials like Premium Motor Spirit. The lack of proper vehicle maintenance, combined with driver fatigue and speeding, continues to be a major cause of accidents and associated fire risks.
The Oyo State Fire Service used the opportunity to remind the public about the importance of fire safety awareness, especially during emergencies involving fuel. Chairman Akinwande emphasised that in situations like these, individuals should keep a safe distance, avoid smoking or lighting fires, and immediately report any signs of leakage to the appropriate authorities.
“Public cooperation is vital in preventing fire disasters. People should understand the risks and act responsibly during such emergencies,” he advised.
The petrol tanker crash in Ogbomoso could have ended in tragedy, but thanks to the rapid response of the Oyo State Fire Service, Nigeria Police, FRSC, and alert residents, a deadly fire outbreak was successfully avoided.
While the immediate threat has passed, the incident serves as a warning of the ever-present dangers posed by the transport of flammable materials across public roads. Moving forward, stronger safety regulations, better emergency preparedness, and increased public education on fire prevention will be essential in protecting lives and property from future incidents.
Source- Punch
