The Oyo State Fire Services Agency successfully averted what could have been a devastating tanker explosion in Ibadan on Wednesday night. The incident, which occurred at around 8:07 PM, was reported through a distress call made by Mr. Adisa Kazeem to the fire service command.

According to a statement released by the agency's manager, Akinyinka Akinyemi, fire officers led by Assistant Chief Fire Superintendent (ACFS) Adeniyi Adesina were swiftly deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered a DAF trailer tanker with registration number T17657LA (Lagos), carrying 50,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), had veered off the road and fallen into a nearby gutter. The tanker’s contents were already spilling out, posing an imminent risk of explosion. The fire service team immediately took action to prevent a disaster. The spillage was blanketed with chemical foam compound, a fire-suppressing agent used to neutralize the flammability of petroleum products. This rapid response was instrumental in ensuring that the highly combustible diesel did not ignite, despite the volatility of the situation. Preliminary investigations by the fire service revealed that the accident occurred as a result of the driver losing control of the vehicle while attempting to navigate a bend in the road. Both the driver and his assistant, identified as the motorboy, were rescued from the scene. The motorboy sustained a minor shoulder injury and was promptly taken to the nearest hospital for treatment, while the driver escaped unhurt. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the fire service, the Nigerian Police Force from Akobo Division, and personnel from the Amotekun Corps, the scene was secured and brought under control without any fatalities or property damage. The operation lasted into the early hours of Thursday morning, ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and preventing what could have been a major tragedy in the state capital.