The Kwara State Fire Service has successfully prevented what could have been a major fire disaster following an incident involving a 45,000-litre petrol tanker at YTK Filling Station, opposite the Youth Camp in the Apata area of Eyenkorin, Ilorin.

The incident occurred on Monday, July 27, 2026, after the service received a distress call at about 6:02 a.m. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene.

According to the Fire Service, the tanker, with registration number ARP 51 XB, was loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) when the driver lost control while attempting to reposition the vehicle within the filling station premises.

The tanker collided with the station's perimeter fence, causing the compartment carrying the petrol to detach from the truck.

On arrival, firefighters quickly secured the area and carried out intensive cooling and dampening operations to eliminate possible sources of ignition and prevent an outbreak of fire.

Their swift response ensured that the highly flammable fuel did not ignite despite the dangerous situation.

The spilled petrol was later safely transferred into another empty tanker under the supervision of the Fire Service, bringing the operation to a successful conclusion without any loss of life, injuries or fire damage.

Chief Fire Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, CFO Alabi Muhammed, commended the professionalism and prompt response of the firefighters, noting that their timely intervention prevented what could have become a catastrophic incident.

He also advised tanker drivers and petroleum marketers to strictly adhere to safety procedures during the transportation, parking and handling of petroleum products, stressing that compliance with safety measures remains the best way to prevent avoidable emergencies.