Kwara: Firefighters Prevent Tanker Explosion on Ilorin–Jebba Road.

A serious tragedy was avoided on Wednesday along the Ilorin–Jebba expressway after firefighters from the Kwara State Fire Service promptly responded to a crash involving a diesel tanker and a stationary truck.

The accident happened at Shao junction, where a 45,000-litre diesel tanker collided with a parked truck on the roadside.

According to Hassan Adekunle, spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, the tanker with registration number T-16758LA sustained significant mechanical damage from the impact.

“The collision damaged the compressed air tank and brake system of the tanker, causing brake failure,” Adekunle explained.

He added that ongoing road construction on the opposite lane had pushed all vehicles onto a single route, making the area congested and risky particularly due to the presence of the parked truck.

“This roadwork created a traffic bottleneck that worsened the crash,” he said.

Upon arrival, firefighters quickly took control of the situation by spraying water on the tanker and the crash site to suppress flammable vapours and prevent a fire outbreak.

“The timely response of our personnel was key to preventing a possible fire disaster,” the statement read.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, FRSC, and KWATMA, joined forces with the fire service to secure the scene.

The diesel was safely transferred into another empty tanker (registration number AAA-527YA) using a siphoning technique. Security officials maintained order and safety throughout the operation.

The Fire Service Director commended the teamwork and efficiency displayed by all the responding agencies.