The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has averted a potential fire disaster following an accident involving a petrol-laden tanker at Apake area of Ogbomoso, adjacent to Wema Bank.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday evening, involved a Howo trailer tanker loaded with approximately 66,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

A statement issued by the Oyo State Fire Services Agency said the distress call was received at about 6:48 p.m. through a passerby and an official of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Mr. Adigun Tayo.

According to the agency, firefighters from the Ogbomoso Zonal Command, led by Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Dairo, responded promptly to the emergency.

Upon arrival at the scene, the crew discovered that the tanker, bearing registration number KMC 7872ZU from Kano State, had lost control and somersaulted by the roadside, resulting in the spillage of its petrol contents.

Preliminary investigation revealed that brake failure was responsible for the accident.

The agency stated that firefighters immediately deployed foam compounds to blanket the affected area and prevent any outbreak of fire.

“The crew swiftly launched a coordinated operation by applying foam compounds on the spilled fuel and securing the environment against any possible source of ignition that could trigger a fire outbreak,” the statement noted.

It added that the area was cordoned off while all necessary precautionary measures were taken to safeguard lives and property.

The intervention, according to the agency, ensured that normal social and commercial activities, as well as vehicular movement, were restored in the community after the situation was brought under control.

The fire service team remained at the scene until after midnight before returning to base.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser on Fire Services Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Hon. Dr. Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, urged motorists and vehicle owners to prioritise regular maintenance of their vehicles and comply strictly with traffic regulations.

He stressed that routine vehicle checks, particularly on heavy-duty trucks and tankers, would help prevent avoidable road accidents and related emergencies.

Akinwande also advised members of the public to promptly report fire and rescue emergencies and provide accurate information to facilitate swift response by emergency personnel.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state through timely emergency interventions