By Joy Yesufu
A fuel tanker exploded at a petrol station in Kontagora, Niger State, on Sunday night, sparking a massive fire and raising fears of potential casualties.
The incident occurred while the tanker was offloading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at a major marketer’s fuel station near the ‘B’ Division of the Nigeria Police in Kontagora Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion was triggered while the fuel was being transferred, leading to a huge inferno.
Concerns were heightened as other fuel storage tanks within the station still contained fuel, raising fears of a possible escalation.
“It happened while they were offloading fuel, and the fire spread quickly. It could have been worse if not for the swift response of emergency personnel,” an eyewitness stated.
Speaking on the incident, Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kuma Tsukwam, confirmed that his team acted swiftly to contain the fire and prevent casualties.
“Yes, our people were able to nip it in the bud. It happened inside the petrol station, and they quickly cordoned off the area, ensuring no human casualties.
“The explosion was likely due to a lack of proper safety measures and malfunctioning safety valves, but we successfully secured the area, evacuating passersby and vehicles before the fire could spread,” Tsukwam added.
The FRSC commander urged fuel stations to strictly adhere to safety regulations, emphasizing that such incidents could be avoided through proper safety protocols.
“Maintaining safety precautions is non-negotiable. Fuel stations must ensure that their equipment are in top condition and that safety protocols are followed to prevent disasters like this,” Tsukwam advised.
