A major fire disaster was averted on Monday after a petrol-laden tanker carrying 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit lost control and exploded along the Iseyin/Oyo Road in Oyo State.
The incident, which occurred near NICO Farm in Iseyin Local Government Area, involved a tanker with registration number Lagos LM62XP.
The vehicle reportedly somersaulted into a ditch before catching fire, sparking panic among motorists and residents in the area.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr. Maroof Akinwande, said the agency received a distress call at exactly 10:46 a.m. and immediately deployed emergency personnel to the scene.
“Upon receiving the report, our team led by PFS1 Azeez mobilised quickly to the location,” Akinwande said.
“The tanker, which was fully loaded with 45,000 litres of PMS, had lost control in motion, tumbled into a ditch, and ignited.”
According to him, the firefighters acted swiftly to contain the blaze using chemical foam compounds, effectively preventing the fire from escalating or spreading to nearby structures and vehicles.
“Our prompt response ensured that the fire was completely put out without any casualties or damage to other properties. Normal vehicular movement has since resumed on the affected road,” he added.
While the cause of the tanker’s loss of control remains unclear, no fatalities or injuries were reported, thanks to the timely intervention of emergency services.
Local authorities have urged drivers of fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles to exercise extreme caution on highways, especially during the rainy season when road conditions can be treacherous.
An eyewitness at the scene, who declined to be named, praised the fire service team. “If not for their quick arrival, this could have turned into a disaster. The flames were fierce when it started,” he said.