Kwara Fire Service Averts Major Fire Disaster After Fuel Tanker Spill

**Ilorin, Nigeria** – The Kwara State Fire Service has successfully averted a major fire disaster following a fuel tanker spill at Sabo Market, Orile Igbon, along the Ogbomoso highway in Oyo State.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday at about 8:27 p.m., involved a 33,000-liter fuel tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The tanker reportedly suffered a tire burst, leading to a dangerous spill and a subsequent fire outbreak.
Swift intervention by the Kwara Fire Service helped prevent what could have been a catastrophic explosion. According to a statement released on Wednesday by the agency’s spokesman, Hassan Adekunle, emergency responders acted quickly to contain the situation.
“Upon arrival, our dedicated firefighters immediately initiated mitigation efforts to contain the situation and prevent further escalation,” Adekunle stated.
He confirmed that more than 10,000 liters of PMS were successfully siphoned into another tanker, reducing the risk of further hazards. Thankfully, no casualties or injuries were reported.
However, the rescue operation was marred by violence against first responders. Adekunle revealed that the Oyo State Fire Service, Ogbomoso branch, which initially responded to the emergency, faced an attack from an unruly crowd.
“Firefighters were violently attacked with stones, causing severe damage to their fire truck, including a shattered windscreen. In the face of this hostility, they had to take refuge at Owode Police Station,” he lamented.
Reacting to the incident, the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service condemned the attack, stressing that assaulting emergency personnel is unacceptable.
“Our firefighters risk their lives to protect people and property. Any act of violence against them will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with emergency responders during crises to ensure swift and effective disaster management.