A major fire disaster was averted in Ibadan on Wednesday night after a petrol tanker carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) skidded off the road and plunged into a ditch, spilling its contents.

According to the Oyo State Fire Service, the incident occurred at about 9:38 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, and was promptly reported by Chief Fire Superintendent (CFS) Adeyemi.

Firefighters, led by CFS Adesina, arrived swiftly at the scene, where they found the MACK trailer tanker, with registration number TI 6366 LA, leaking fuel and posing a high risk of explosion.

“The tanker swerved into a nearby ditch and its contents were gushing out,” the report stated. “Our officers quickly applied chemical foam compounds to suppress the flammability of the fuel and prevent ignition from surrounding sources.”

No casualties were recorded in the incident, which was attributed to loss of control by the driver.

Fire service personnel maintained a presence at the site through the night to safeguard residents and prevent secondary hazards.

Normal activities resumed by Thursday morning, and the affected road was declared safe for vehicular movement.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Fire Reform and Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Moroof Adebayo Akinwande, commended the firefighters for their prompt and professional response.

He urged motorists, especially those transporting flammable products, to exercise greater caution and comply with all road safety regulations to avoid preventable accidents.

“Drivers must always observe safety procedures, maintain their vehicles properly, and avoid overspeeding,” Akinwande said. “Prompt reporting of emergencies also helps save lives and property.”

Meanwhile, 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.