The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has successfully averted a potential fire disaster following an accident involving a petrol-laden tanker at the Apake area of Ogbomoso, near Wema Bank. The incident occurred on Thursday evening when a Howo trailer tanker carrying approximately 66,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) lost control and somersaulted.
Swift Response to Emergency
According to a statement from the agency, a distress call was received at about 6:48 p.m. through a passerby and an official of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Mr. Adigun Tayo. Firefighters from the Ogbomoso Zonal Command, led by Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Dairo, promptly responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered that the tanker, with registration number KMC 7872ZU from Kano State, had somersaulted by the roadside, causing a spillage of its petrol contents.
Brake Failure Blamed
Preliminary investigations indicated that brake failure was the cause of the accident. The firefighters immediately deployed foam compounds to blanket the affected area and prevent any potential fire outbreak. The crew launched a coordinated operation, applying foam on the spilled fuel and securing the environment against any possible ignition sources.
Precautionary Measures
The area was cordoned off, and all necessary precautions were taken to safeguard lives and property. The intervention ensured that normal social and commercial activities, as well as vehicular movement, were restored in the community after the situation was brought under control. The fire service team remained at the scene until after midnight before returning to base.
Call for Vehicle Maintenance
Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, urged motorists and vehicle owners to prioritize regular maintenance of their vehicles and comply strictly with traffic regulations. He stressed that routine vehicle checks, particularly on heavy-duty trucks and tankers, would help prevent avoidable road accidents and related emergencies. Akinwande also advised the public to promptly report fire and rescue emergencies and provide accurate information to facilitate swift response by emergency personnel. He reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state through timely emergency interventions.
