Tanker carrying 50,000 litres of Petrol falls in Ilorin

A major catastrophe was narrowly avoided on Saturday in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, as a petrol tanker overturned on a highway, causing a spill of its flammable contents.

The incident, which transpired around 1:10 pm, involved a tanker carrying a substantial load of 50,000 litres of petrol.

According to Hassan Adekunle, the spokesperson for the State Fire Service, who issued a statement in Ilorin on Saturday, the harrowing event unfolded near Eucharistic Secondary School, opposite Coca-Cola junction, along the Asa Dam Road.

The precarious situation posed an imminent threat to both motorists and pedestrians alike  after the tanker crash on the Ilorin highway.

“The fire service control room received a distress call regarding a fallen petrol tanker with registration number UDD 155 SA near Eucharistic Secondary School, opposite Coca-Cola junction, Asa Dam Road, Ilorin, which posed a significant threat to road users and pedestrians,” Adekunle said.

Responding with commendable promptness, courageous fire officers swiftly initiated measures to contain the potential danger.

Upon their arrival, they immediately commenced efforts to drench the tanker and its immediate surroundings extensively, effectively diminishing the risk of a disastrous fire outbreak. Moreover, as a precautionary measure, the road was temporarily closed to ensure the safety of the public.

Adekunle highlighted the collaborative efforts of various agencies, including the Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Police, and Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority, in facilitating the safety measures deployed.

“During the investigation, it was revealed that the driver noticed a parked truck suddenly, prompting him to apply the brakes abruptly while in motion. This sudden friction caused the detachment of the tanker’s contents, resulting in its spillage on the road,” Adekunle explained.