The Kwara State Fire Service, on Saturday, averted the loss of lives in the Idi-Ape area of Ilorin, Kwara State, after a diesel tanker exploded.

PUNCH Online, however, gathered that the tanker conveying the fuel was completely burnt, causing damage to two shops and a a football viewing centre in the area.

An eyewitness account, which was corroborated by the Kwara State Fire Service, said that the tanker with number plate MUS 916 YF, loaded with 22,000 litres of fuel, was going to Ajegunle, Idi-Ape area, Magaji Are Quarters to supply diesel when it suddenly caught fire.

The Head of Media and Publicity of Kwara State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said, “On December 30, 2023, at approximately 10:47 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service swiftly responded to a fire emergency at Magaji Aare quarters, Ajegunle, in the Idi-Ape area of Ilorin East Local Government.

“The firefighters, equipped with their fire appliances, arrived promptly to face a blazing diesel tanker containing 22,000 litres with registration number MUS 916 YF.

“The situation escalated as the tanker’s valve opened, causing diesel to gush out forcefully. Undeterred, the firemen, demonstrating their exceptional firefighting skills, called for additional support, and another fire appliance quickly joined the effort. After a relentless hour of collective effort, the dedicated team successfully extinguished the raging fire.

“Unfortunately, the ensuing fire resulted in damage to two shops and a football viewing centre.”

The Kwara State Fire Service said that the total estimated property saved in the incident was N145.2 million while the total estimated property lost in the inferno was N34.6 million.

“Upon investigation, the tanker driver revealed to the Fire Service team that the fire originated from the pumping machine used to syphon diesel for the ‘Collo site’ mast, which serves all networks,” the statement added.

Adekunle further said that “men of the Nigeria Police of the ‘C’ Division were present at the scene to maintain order and control any potential mob disturbance.

“The community’s cooperation played a crucial role in enabling the firemen to work efficiently and effectively in overcoming the challenging situation.”

The Director, Kwara State Fire Service, Falade Olumuyiwa, urged members of the public to always play safe, especially during this period, and not to hesitate to call fire brigade men on time whenever there was any fire emergency in their areas, as this would save lives and properties of people in the state.