Tragedy Averted As Fire Engulfs Fuel Truck At Kwara Filling Station

A petrol tanker loaded with approximately 55,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was engulfed in flames while attempting to discharge its contents at a filling station in Kwara State. The incident occurred on Friday night, November 13, at A’A BA’AGEE Nigeria Limited, a filling station located in Aadogun Village, along the Bode Saadu–Kaiama Road in the Moro Local Government Area of the state. The Kwara State Fire Service, which disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, said it received a distress call about the incident and dispatched firefighters to the scene at approximately 21:58hrs. According to the statement signed by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, the tanker had already been engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived. The inferno reportedly posed a serious threat to the filling station and its underground fuel storage facilities, raising fears of a possible major disaster if the fire spread to other parts of the facility. However, firefighters immediately commenced intensive firefighting operations, deploying their expertise and available resources to contain the blaze. The fire was eventually brought under control at approximately 00:20hrs on Saturday, November 14, after sustained efforts by the emergency responders. Although the tanker was affected by the fire, the Fire Service said the filling station and the approximately 55,000 litres of PMS carried by the tanker were successfully protected, preventing what could have developed into a major disaster. Providing details of how the incident occurred, the Service said information gathered at the scene indicated that the tanker had conveyed the petroleum product to the filling station and was attempting to discharge the fuel into the facility's underground storage tank when the fire suddenly erupted. The tanker driver reportedly managed to move the vehicle a short distance away from the filling station in an attempt to reduce the immediate danger to the facility. Efforts were initially made to extinguish the fire before the arrival of the Fire Service, but they proved insufficient as the flames intensified and eventually engulfed the tanker. Reacting to the incident, the Chief Fire Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, commended the firefighters for their courage, professionalism and determination in containing the inferno and preventing the destruction of the filling station and its underground fuel storage facilities. He stressed that the transfer of petroleum products is a highly sensitive operation requiring strict compliance with established safety procedures and the availability of appropriate fire protection systems. The Chief Fire Officer consequently urged filling station operators, tanker drivers and other petroleum product handlers to observe critical safety measures during fuel transportation, handling and discharge operations. He specifically emphasised the need for proper grounding and bonding during fuel transfer to minimise the risk of ignition from static electricity. He also warned against smoking, open flames, welding and other activities capable of generating sparks around fuel handling and storage facilities. Muhammed further advised filling station operators to ensure that functional firefighting equipment, including appropriate fire extinguishers, foam systems and other approved fire protection installations, are available and regularly maintained. He called for routine inspection of fuel transfer hoses, valves, connections and other equipment to identify defects that could compromise safety and trigger fire outbreaks. The Chief Fire Officer also urged filling station owners to provide adequate emergency response training for tanker drivers, station attendants and other personnel, stressing that workers must understand emergency procedures and know how to respond appropriately when incidents occur. He further advised that any indication of fire during petroleum product transfer should be treated as an emergency, with the Fire Service and other relevant agencies notified immediately. Muhammed cautioned personnel against attempting to tackle an escalating petroleum fire without the necessary training, equipment and support from professional emergency responders. The Kwara State Fire Service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure across the state, urging petroleum marketers and transport operators to prioritise safety compliance in their daily operations.