A potential explosion involving a petrol tanker carrying tens of thousands of litres of fuel was narrowly avoided in Ilorin on Saturday, following a swift intervention by the Kwara State Fire Service.
The incident unfolded at Olumo Filling Station, located around the busy Oko-Olowo Junction along the Ilorin–Jebba Expressway, a major fuel distribution route in the state.
According to officials on Sunday, the tanker, loaded with about 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, had just arrived from Lagos when flames suddenly broke out.
The fire reportedly intensified within minutes, raising fears of a large-scale inferno in the densely trafficked area.
However, firefighters were immediately alerted and moved to the scene without delay. Their rapid response proved decisive in preventing the situation from escalating into a full-blown disaster.
A senior officer of the Fire Service explained that the crew focused on isolating the burning tanker and suppressing the flames before they could reach underground tanks or nearby structures.
“Our priority was to stop the fire from spreading beyond the tanker, and that strategy paid off,” the officer said.
Moreover, emergency responders successfully contained the blaze, ensuring that the filling station’s facilities and surrounding buildings were spared from damage.
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFS Alabi Muhammed, praised the professionalism displayed by the operatives, describing their action as lifesaving.
He noted that the outcome could have been tragic given the volume of fuel involved and the location of the station.
“This was a close call, and the discipline and speed of our officers prevented loss of lives and property,” Muhammed said.
Furthermore, he expressed sympathy with the filling station management while cautioning fuel transporters and station operators to treat safety measures as non-negotiable.
He stressed that regular checks on tankers and the availability of functional firefighting equipment could significantly reduce such risks.
“Safety inspections and early reporting of any abnormal situation must become standard practice,” the director said, adding that negligence often worsens fire outbreaks.
Meanwhile, the Fire Service confirmed that an investigation is underway to establish the exact cause of the fire.
Incidents involving fuel tankers and filling stations have remained a recurring concern in Kwara State.
Notably, corridors such as the Ilorin–Jebba Expressway continue to experience heavy tanker movement due to fuel supply to northern Nigeria, heightening the need for strict safety compliance.
Authorities have reiterated that timely emergency calls and adherence to established safety standards remain critical in preventing fuel-related disasters across the state.