A tragic tanker explosion in Ibadan has claimed the life of the driver and left one other person injured, according to a statement from Mr. Yemi Akinyinka, General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday near Fijabi House on the Ojoo/Iwo Road Expressway.
The tanker, loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), erupted in flames at approximately 2:45 a.m., prompting a swift response from the state fire services. Akinyinka revealed that the agency received a distress call and immediately deployed personnel to contain the inferno, preventing it from spreading to nearby residential areas.
Upon arrival at the scene, emergency responders encountered three trucks situated about 20 meters apart, all involved in the fire. While the tanker driver was tragically burnt to death, the motor boy was rescued alive and rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for urgent medical attention.
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The fire completely destroyed the tanker, but the fire service team successfully saved two nearby trucks from further damage. The swift intervention of the agency, under the supervision of its Director of Operations, Mr. Ismail Adeleke, helped avert a potential catastrophe in the area.
Security agencies, including the police, also arrived at the scene to assist and ensure law and order. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion, which has left the community in shock.
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has once again urged the public to adhere to safety protocols, particularly when handling highly flammable materials like PMS. This incident highlights the importance of prompt emergency response and the need for heightened safety awareness in preventing similar tragedies.
