Swift intervention by the Kwara State Fire Service in the early hours of Sunday averted a potential disaster after a leaking gas cylinder caused panic among residents of Al-Mustafa Street in the Olorunsogo area of Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to The PUNCH, the incident, which occurred around 3:32 a.m., involved a 12.5kg gas cylinder leaking profusely inside a two-flat residential building.
Alarmed by the strong smell of gas, occupants quickly evacuated the house and alerted neighbours, who immediately contacted the fire service.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said firefighters acted swiftly after receiving a distress call.
“Our officers responded immediately and handled the situation professionally. They removed the leaking gas cylinder from the kitchen to a safe open area, preventing what could have been a deadly explosion,” Adekunle said.
He commended the quick action of the residents and neighbours for promptly notifying the fire service.
“The cooperation of the occupants helped us work faster. We always advise residents to contact the fire service as soon as they notice any potential danger—timely calls save lives,” he added.
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade John Olumuyiwa, also lauded his men for their professionalism and described the operation as a “timely intervention that saved lives and property.”
“This incident could have turned tragic if not for the swift response of our officers. It’s a reminder that safety precautions must always be taken seriously,” he stated.
Olumuyiwa warned against keeping gas cylinders inside kitchens, describing the practice as extremely dangerous.
“It is very risky to store gas cylinders indoors. A small spark can cause an explosion. Cylinders should always be kept outside the kitchen, with the hose connected inside for use. This makes it easier to detect leaks and reduces the risk of fire,” he advised.
He added that the service would intensify public sensitisation campaigns on fire safety to prevent similar occurrences.
“We will continue our public awareness programmes across communities. Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and prevention is always better than response,” he said.
A resident, Mrs. Aminat Abdulkareem, who witnessed the incident, praised the firefighters for their bravery and prompt action.
“We were terrified when the smell of gas spread around. Everyone ran out of their homes. Thank God the fire service came quickly; if they had delayed, it could have ended in tragedy,” she recounted.
The Kwara State Fire Service has recently responded to several gas-related emergencies across Ilorin and other parts of the state, mostly linked to poor handling and unsafe storage of cylinders.
