🚨 Near Disaster Averted: Tanker Carrying 60,000 Litres Of Petrol Somersaults In Oyo State
In what could have easily escalated into a catastrophic fire outbreak, quick emergency response averted tragedy on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, after a tanker carrying 60,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) — commonly known as petrol — somersaulted along the Oyo-Ogbomoso Expressway.
📍 The Scene: Irepo Junction, Oyo State
According to reports, the incident occurred at the busy Irepo Junction, a key intersection on the Oyo-Ogbomoso route that sees constant traffic, especially from heavy-duty vehicles. The tanker, a HOWO trailer registered as KMC65ZC (Kano), lost control while in motion and flipped to the roadside. The impact caused fuel to gush out rapidly from the wreck.
🙏 No Lives Lost, Thanks to Swift Action
Thankfully, there were no casualties. This miracle is largely credited to the rapid response from the Oyo State Fire Service, led by Hon. Maroof Akinwande, and supported by personnel from the Federal Fire Service and officers of the Nigerian Police (Ojongbodu Division).
The fire service arrived within minutes after receiving the distress call at 3:51 PM. Using a chemical foam compound, the team immediately covered the spilled fuel to neutralize the flammable vapors, which could have easily ignited from a nearby spark — or even static electricity.
“The accident was due to a lack of absolute concentration while driving,” said Hon. Akinwande, highlighting once again the dangerous consequences of distraction behind the wheel — especially for fuel transport vehicles.
🔍 A Bigger Picture: Road Safety, Fire Preparedness & Public Awareness
This incident is more than just a local news flash — it’s a wake-up call.
Nigeria has seen numerous fuel tanker accidents in recent years, many of them fatal. Overloaded trucks, poorly maintained vehicles, and driver fatigue are often at the core. But this time, a potential fireball in a populated area was avoided thanks to professional emergency services.
Here are some key takeaways:
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Emergency infrastructure matters: Having trained responders equipped with chemical foam and coordination from multiple agencies can be the line between life and death.
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Driver training needs reform: The stakes are high when you’re carrying 60,000 litres of flammable liquid. Transport companies must ensure drivers are not only licensed but trained for crisis management.
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Public awareness is key: Bystanders should always stay clear of accident scenes involving fuel. One phone spark or cigarette can light up the sky.
✍️ Final Word
This is one story where we can truly say disaster was narrowly avoided. It’s a sobering reminder of the risks we all face on Nigeria’s roads and the vital role emergency services play every single day. Let’s hope it also sparks renewed attention to safer road practices — for both drivers and those tasked with protecting us.
