A major fire incident was narrowly averted in Ibadan on Thursday evening when a petrol tanker carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) caught fire at Celica Junction, along the New Ife Expressway.

According to reports, the tanker experienced brake failure, lost control, and collided with a Prado jeep and another vehicle. The impact caused the tanker to fall over and burst into flames, engulfing the nearby vehicles in fire.

Thankfully, there were no casualties.

Responding swiftly, operatives of the Oyo State Fire Service, in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service, quickly brought the blaze under control using chemical foam compounds. Their efforts prevented the fire from spreading to a nearby NNPC petrol station and other properties in the area.

Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Hon. Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident, saying the emergency call was received at exactly 6:27 p.m. and their team responded immediately.

“The prompt response helped save lives and prevented further damage. We were able to extinguish the fire before it could spread beyond the scene,” he said.

The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by faulty fuel tankers and the importance of vehicle maintenance and traffic safety, especially when transporting flammable materials.