A major fire disaster was averted on Saturday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, when a petrol tanker fell on the highway and spilled its contents.

The incident occurred at about 1:10 pm and involved a petrol tanker carrying 50,000 litres of petrol.

The spokesman of the State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, said in a statement in Ilorin on Saturday: “The fire service control room received a distress call regarding a fallen petrol tanker with registration number UDD 155 SA near Eucharistic Secondary School, opposite Coca-Cola junction, Asa Dam Road, Ilorin, which posed a significant threat to road users and pedestrians.

“The courageous fire officers responded promptly to mitigate the potential danger. Upon arrival, they immediately commenced efforts to drench the tanker and its surroundings extensively, thereby reducing the risk of a fire outbreak. Additionally, the road was temporarily closed to ensure public safety.”

Adekunle disclosed that the collaborative efforts of various agencies, including the Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Police, and Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority, greatly facilitated the safety measures deployed.

“During the investigation, it was revealed that the driver noticed a parked truck suddenly, prompting him to apply the brakes abruptly while in motion. This sudden friction caused the detachment of the tanker's contents, resulting in its spillage on the road,” Adekunle explained.