A major tragedy was averted on Wednesday afternoon after a petrol tanker loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) overturned at Isale General Roundabout in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

 

Eyewitnesses told UGAMA TV that the tanker, travelling along the open road near the busy roundabout, suddenly lost balance and somersaulted, spilling its highly flammable contents onto the road. Panic briefly gripped residents and motorists as the petrol began to discharge, raising fears of a possible explosion.

 

Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, which could have caused widespread destruction if the spilled fuel had ignited.

 

Confirming the development in a statement, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, said firefighters acted promptly to contain the danger. “The fire personnel, led by CFM Oladejo Kolawole, swiftly responded and deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a trailer tanker loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit had somersaulted on an open road,” Akinwande explained.

 

According to him, the firefighters quickly used foam chemical compounds to neutralise the petrol’s flammability and prevent any outbreak of fire from nearby sources. “Our men engaged all necessary equipment by blanketing the area with foam chemical compound to neutralize the flammability of the content and prevent it from catching fire from the surroundings,” he stated.

 

Akinwande commended the quick response of his team and the cooperation of residents, which helped avert a possible inferno. He used the opportunity to remind motorists, particularly drivers of heavy-duty vehicles and tankers, to exercise maximum caution on the road.

 

“I therefore urge drivers to always drive with care and observe road safety tips,” he added, stressing that adherence to traffic and safety regulations is essential to preventing similar accidents.

 

Authorities have since cordoned off the area while cleanup operations continue. Traffic around the Isale General Roundabout was temporarily diverted as emergency responders worked to secure the scene and prevent secondary accidents.

 

The swift intervention of the Oyo State Fire Service ensured that what could have been a catastrophic petrol fire ended without injuries or fatalities, underscoring the importance of rapid emergency response and public vigilance.