A petroleum tanker, carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, fell on Monday along Fajuyi road near Ilesa motor park in Ile-Ife.
The petrol tanker, reportedly affiliated with BOVAS filling station, was en route to Moore Area for unloading when it unexpectedly overturned.
According to reports, it was observed that the driver escaped without sustaining any injuries.
However, the fallen tanker had released fuel, prompting the area to be secured by security personnel.
Eyewitness Ibrahim Salam stated that the tanker toppled while trying to navigate a road leading to Moore Area, the site of the filling station.
He stated, “We thank God that no life or property were lost.”
Mr. Adeyinmi Adeleye, the Principal Fire Superintendent 2 and Zonal Commander of Ife Zonal Fire Station, informed newsmen that their presence at the scene was aimed at preventing individuals from attempting to extract petrol from the overturned tanker to avert a potential fire incident.
Adeleye emphasized that, at present, their primary focus was to prohibit people from accessing fuel from the tanker, and their role was to assess the situation.
He suggested that the cause of the incident might be attributed to the tanker driver overspeeding in the area due to the road’s sloppiness and hazardous bends.
Adeleye advised drivers of petroleum tankers and heavy trucks to exercise caution when passing through that particular area.
Furthermore, the principal fire superintendent urged residents in the vicinity to exercise vigilance and evacuate promptly, as the presence of the fuel alone could lead to a widespread fire, potentially causing casualties.