A late-night fire outbreak on Thursday destroyed a commercial Mazda bus laden with petroleum products in Ibadan, but it was swiftly contained by operatives of the Oyo State Fire Services, preventing what could have been a major disaster.

According to an official report, the fire incident occurred at exactly 12:59 a.m. and was first reported by a passerby, one Mr. Azeez Toheeb.

The burning vehicle, an 18-passenger Mazda bus loaded with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in jerrycans, reportedly belonged to a communications company.

Upon arrival at the scene, located in front of a shopping complex, officers of the Oyo State Fire Services, led by Chief Fire Marshal (CFM) Atanda, promptly mobilised firefighting units to contain the inferno.

The firefighters successfully prevented the flames from spreading to nearby structures, including a shopping complex, a furniture workshop, and a telecommunications base station.

“No casualty was recorded in the incident, though the vehicle was completely destroyed. Fire services were able to save adjoining properties and buildings around the area,” an official statement noted.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from heat generated in the engine compartment, which ignited the petroleum fumes and set the bus ablaze.

In his reaction, the Special Adviser on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Fire Services Agency, Hon. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, commended the firefighters for their prompt intervention and urged members of the public to prioritise fire safety.

“Motorists and building owners should always have functional fire extinguishers within reach. Early response to fire incidents can prevent large-scale damage and save lives,” Akinwande said.

The Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Adeduntan and officers of the Federal Fire Service were also present at the scene to provide additional support during the operation.

The Oyo State Fire Services reiterated its commitment to ongoing public education on fire prevention and safety, particularly as the dry season approaches.

This incident happened days after a fire outbreak destroyed the upper floor of a duplex on Hazmat Street, Kuola, off Akala Expressway, Ibadan, the Oyo State Fire Services Agency has confirmed.

The incident, which occurred around 6:50 pm, was reported by a resident, Mr. Abegunde, who alerted officials to the inferno consuming the residential building.

Responding swiftly, the State Fire Service team, led by Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Mrs. Adedeji, arrived at the scene to find the upper floor of the duplex and adjoining two-bedroom flats engulfed in flames.

According to the agency, firefighters successfully contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to the ground floor and nearby structures.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with personnel from the Federal Fire Service and Sweetco Fire Service.

A team of policemen from the Kuola Division also provided security during the operation.